Treatment modalities of TMJ ankylosis: experience in Delta Nile, Egypt.

The study reports the authors' experience in managing TMJ ankylosis in Delta Nile, Egypt (1995-2006) and compares the surgical modalities used. 101 patients (109 joints) were reviewed in this retrospective study. Pre- and postoperative assessment included history, radiological and physical examination, and mouth opening. Age, sex, aetiology, joint(s) affected, surgical modality, complications and follow up periods were evaluated. Various types (fibrous, fibro-osseous and bony) of TMJ ankylosis were diagnosed; trauma was the commonest aetiology. The patients' age range was 2-41 years, 62% were female, and the follow up period ranged from 14 to 96 months. Average mouth opening was significantly increased from 5.3mm pre-operatively to 32.9 mm 12 months postoperatively (P=0.0001). Marked improvement in mouth opening was documented when the ramus-joint complex was reconstructed using distraction osteogenesis (34.7 mm), costochondral graft (34.4mm) and Surgibone (34.6mm). Gap arthroplasty showed least satisfactory mouth opening compared with other techniques (P=0.001). Minor and major complications were encountered in 33% of cases, including 5% recurrence rate. Early release of TMJ ankylosis; reconstruction of the ramus height with distraction osteogenesis or bone grafting combined with interpositional arthroplasty, followed by vigorous physiotherapy is successful for managing TMJ ankylosis.

Aspiration of an impacted lower third molar during its surgical removal under local anaesthesia.

In this case of an aspirated impacted lower third molar during its removal under local anaesthesia, the problem was recognized immediately during the surgical procedure. The patient, a 23-year-old male, was subjected to urgent radiological examination. The aspirated tooth was detected in the right bronchus and eventually removed by rigid bronchoscopy. Oral surgeons should suspect any tooth that has been avulsed or extracted and not found as having been aspirated. Early diagnosis and management of such incidents is essential.

Intraoral distraction osteogenesis for the correction of facial deformities following temporomandibular joint ankylosis: a modified technique.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the feasibility of transoral bimaxillary distraction osteogenesis before releasing temporomandibular joint (TMJ) ankylosis using intraoral mandibular distractors. Nine patients (5 males, 4 females) aged 14-35 (mean 19) years were included. A bilateral Le Fort I osteotomy was performed together with a mandibular osteotomy on the affected side(s). An intraoral distractor(s) was inserted in the lower jaw, followed by an intermaxillary fixation (IMF) to maintain preoperative dental occlusion. The distractor was activated, after a latency period of 5-7 days, 2 times daily by 0.5 mm. There followed a consolidation period of 6-8 weeks. TMJ ankylosis was then released via a peri-auricular incision, a gap arthroplasty was performed, and mandibular movement was established after removal of the IMF and distractor. Optimal results were achieved clinically and radiologically with minimal relapse and complications. Apart from minor complaints, the distraction process was smooth and tolerable in all cases. Total mandibular elongation ranged from 17 to 25 mm (20.7 mm). Occlusal canting decreased to 0 degrees in 7 patients and to 1 degree in 2 patients (mean 0.2 degrees). After a mean follow-up period of 17 months, a mean postoperative mouth opening of 34.7 mm was achieved (0.6 mm preoperatively) and no re-ankylosis was detected. Intraoral distraction of a deformed mandible and maxilla before releasing TMJ ankylosis is a feasible and perhaps advantageous technique.