RESUMO
Temporomandibular joint (TMJ) ankylosis is a debilitating condition. It involves the mouth opening, dentofacial deformity, diet problem, and quality of life. When it occurs in a child, it can have devastating effects on the future growth and development of the jaws and teeth. Furthermore, in many cases it has a profoundly negative influence on the psychosocial development of the patient, because of the obvious facial deformity, which worsens with growth. TMJ ankylosis results in a limitation of the mouth opening. This disorder can result in an array of problems with diet, facial deformity, and poor oral hygiene. Three main surgical modalities described in the literature for its management are gap arthroplasty, interpositional arthroplasty and total joint replacement. Recurrence remains the main problem after surgery. Aggressive resection and intensive postoperative physiotherapy are recommended to prevent re-ankylosis.