ABSTRACT
Objective To investigate the potential role of disc repositioning and condyle restoration in the treatment of type Ⅲ traumatogenic temporomandibular joint (TMJ) ankylosis. Methods Eight patients including four females and four males at age range of 7-22 years (mean 13.6 years) were enrolled in this study. The patients suffered from traumatogenic TMJ ankylosis for 1-12 years. The preoperative interincisal opening distances ranged from 2 mm to 10 mm. During surgery, the traumatogenic callus of the lateral condyle process was removed, the condyle process was formed, and then the dislocated disc was sutured to the articular capsule or soft tissues around. Results All patients were followed up for 6-38 months and the last follow-up examination showed that the average interincisal opening distance was 30 mm. No recurrence or TMJ symptoms were found during the period of follow-up. Conclusions Disc repositioning and condyle restoration has the advantages of simple procedures, minor trauma and little recurrence and proves to be a feasible and effective method for the treatment of type Ⅲ traumatogenic TMJ ankylosis.