Etiology, clinical and radiographic features of temporomandibular joint ankylosis

ABSTRACT

Objective of the study was to find out the frequency of different etiological factors, clinical and radiographic features of Temporomandibular joint ankylosis. Ninety six patients suffering from Temporomandibular joint ankylosis visited Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery Department, Khyber College of Dentistry, Peshawar from December 9, 2009 to December 8, 2010 and were included in the study. Patient demographics, etiology and clinical features of the disease were noted. Orthopantomograph was taken of all patients to confirm the diagnosis and to record the radiographic findings of the disease. Males were the predominant group [60.4%] as compared to females [39.6%]. Trauma was the etiological factor in 88.5% cases followed by infection and inflammation. Clinical deformity was present in the form of facial asymmetry [85.4%], < 5mm inter-incisal distance [76%], disturbed occlusion [64.6%] and poor oral hygiene [78.1%]. Bilateral involvement was found in 40.6% cases, left side was involved in 30.2% cases while right side was effected in 29.2% cases. Radio-graphically, the disease presented in the form of mushrooming of condyle, loss of joint space, anti-gonial notch and coronoid hyperplasia. Trauma is the main etiological factor for Temporomandibular joint ankylosis. Clinically the disease presents in the form of facial asymmetry, limitation of mouth opening, disturbed occlusion and sleep apnea while on radiographs, there is partial or complete loss of joint space, mushrooming of condyle, anti-gonial notch and coronoid hyperplasia