Navigating Complexity in Mandibular Condyle Aplasia and Temporomandibular Joint Ankylosis in a Five-Year-Old Child: A Case Report.

Mandibular condyle aplasia and temporomandibular joint (TMJ) ankylosis represent complex challenges in diagnosis and management, affecting jaw function and facial aesthetics. This case report presents a five-year-old female child with a right-sided small jaw and facial asymmetry due to left-sided TMJ ankylosis. The coexistence of mandibular condyle aplasia and TMJ ankylosis underscores the need for comprehensive evaluation and tailored treatment approaches. Syndromic associations, such as Goldenhar syndrome and Treacher Collins syndrome, further complicate diagnosis and management. Surgical intervention involving left-side gap arthroplasty and reconstruction using a costochondral graft/temporalis fascia was performed under general anesthesia. However, postoperative complications, including decreased mouth opening and left-sided lower motor neuron facial palsy, necessitated further surgical debridement and drainage of an abscess. The case emphasizes the importance of a multidisciplinary approach in addressing complex craniofacial anomalies, with treatment strategies such as bone grafting and tailored surgical interventions offering promising outcomes. Understanding the multifaceted etiology of mandibular condyle aplasia and TMJ ankylosis is crucial for optimal management, highlighting the collaborative efforts required for achieving favorable patient outcomes.

Analysis of the effect on costochondral graft for TMJ ankylosis with jaw deformities in pediatrics.

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the effects of costochondral grafting (CCG) used for temporomandibular joint ankylosis (TMJA) in growing patients. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Pediatric patients with TMJA treated by CCG from 2010.5 to 2021.7 were included in the study. CT scans were performed before and after operations with at least 1 year follow-up. The height of the mandibular ramus, menton deviation or retraction, osteotomy gap, etc. were measured by ProPlan CMF1.4 software. CCG growth, resorption, and relapse were evaluated and analyzed with influencing factors such as age, ostectomy gap, etc. by generalized estimating equation. RESULTS: There were 24 patients (29 joints) with an average age of 6.30 ± 3.13 years in the study. After operation, the mandibular ramus was elongated by 5.97 ± 3.53 mm. Mandibular deviation or retrusion was corrected by 4.82 ± 2.84 mm and 3.76 ± 2.97 mm respectively. After a mean follow-up of 38.91 ± 29.20 months, 58.62% CCG grew (4.18 ± 7.70 mm), 20.69% absorbed (2.23 ± 1.16 mm), and 20.69% re-ankylosed. The re-ankylosis was negatively correlated with the osteotomy gap (OR:0.348,0.172-0.702 95%CI, critical value = 6.10 mm). CCG resorption was positively correlated with the distance of CCG ramus elongation (OR:3.353,1.173-9.586 95%CI, critical value = 7.40 mm). CONCLUSIONS: An adequate osteotomy gap and CCG ramus elongation distance are the key factors for successful treatment of TMJA with jaw deformities in growing patients. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: TMJA affects mouth opening and jaw development in pediatric patients. The most common autogenous bone graft for pediatric patients is CCG due to its growth potential, convenient access and easy contouring. Also, it can simultaneously reconstruct the TMJ and improve jaw deformity by lengthening the mandibular ramus. But the growth of CCG is unpredictable. In this study, we explored several factors that may affect the absorption and re-ankylosis of CCG, expecting to provide several suggestions to improve future CCG treatment.

A Novel Method of Frontal Bone Reconstruction Using Patient-Specific Implants and Costochondral Grafts: A Case Report.

The frontal bone is the vital component of the human skull and forms a part of the anterior skull vault, base, and roof of the orbits. Frontal bone defects may arise secondary to various causes like trauma, congenital defects including craniofacial clefts, tumors in the frontal bone requiring surgical intervention, and infections, like osteomyelitis, that cause osteonecrosis of the frontal bone. Reconstruction of frontal bone has been explored in the literature, and various materials are available for rehabilitation, like auto/allografts, and alloplastic materials, including bone cement, titanium meshes, and patient-specific implant (PSI). All the available materials have their own advantages and disadvantages; hence, depending on the anatomy and physiology of the frontal bone and the involvement of the naso-orbito-ethmoidal (NOE) complex, patient selection and treatment plan become very crucial. This report presents a case of the frontal bone with a NOE defect, secondary to trauma, reconstructed using a PSI and costochondral graft.

Pediatric Temporomandibular Joint Pathology.

Pediatric temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders represent a broad range of congenital and acquired diagnoses. Dentofacial deformities, including facial asymmetry, retrognathism, and malocclusion, commonly develop. Compared with adult TMJ conditions, pain and articular disc pathology are less common. Accurate diagnosis is paramount in planning and prognostication. Several specific considerations apply in preparation for skeletal correction, including timing in relation to disease progression and growth trajectory, expectation for postcorrection stability, reconstructive technique as it applies to expected durability and need for future revision, management of occlusion, and need for ancillary procedures to optimize correction. This article reviews common conditions and treatment considerations.

Massive traumatic articular bone loss of the capitulum humeri treated by costal osteochondral autograft reconstruction: A case report.

INTRODUCTION: Articular traumatic bone loss is a severe condition with heterogeneous outcomes, often necessitating complex technical solutions and posing challenges in managing both bone and cartilage loss. Thus, some surgeons have used a technique of osteochondral autograft using a rib to fix an articular bone loss to manage both of these tissue losses. PRESENTATION OF CASE: We present the case of a 25-years-old patient, who had a complex open elbow injury. He presented an association of a terrible triad of the elbow injury with an open traumatic bone loss of the capitulum humeri and unfixable lesion of the lateral collateral ligament complex of the elbow. We initially managed these lesions with an external fixator for 2 months followed by a reconstruction of the capitulum humeri using a costal osteochondral autograft. Unfortunately, the patient was lost to follow-up after the 1 month post-operative consultation but he had some encouraging results. DISCUSSION: In this case report, we describe our technique using an osteochondral autograft to address complex bone and cartilaginous losses, thereby expanding the treatment options available to trauma surgeons. CONCLUSION: This case report shows that a reconstruction of the capitellum humeri for a traumatic bone loss with an osteochondral autograft using the eighth rib can be easily performed. More generally, this technique could even help to manage complex traumatic substance loss of both bone and cartilage in other locations.

Reankylosis of temporomandibular joint 5 years after interpositional arthroplasty using gold foil: management and follow up (a case report).

INTRODUCTION: Temporomandibular Joint (TMJ) reankylosis is one of TMJ arthroplasty complications that can interfere masticatory function and aesthetics. This case report aimed to describe a TMJ reankylosis in growing age patient that occurred 5 years after interpositional arthroplasty using gold foil. Interpositional arthroplasty using temporalis fascia and costochondral graft followed by unilateral coronoidectomy could be a treatment option. CASE PRESENTATION: A 17-year-old female came with inability to open her mouth 5 years after first interpositional arthroplasty using gold foil due to traumatic TMJ ankylosis. Patient was diagnosed type IV left TMJ reankylosis with left coronoid process hyperplasia. Patient was treated with interpositional arthroplasty using temporalis fascia as an interposition material for articular disc substitution, costochondral graft for ramus condyle unit (RCU) reconstruction and followed by unilateral coronoidectomy. Postoperative mouth opening was ±26 mm. One year evaluation showed stable mouth opening and no recurrency occured. DISCUSSION: Age at growing period, insufficient gap width, surgical technique and the effects of previous surgery may generate TMJ reankylosis. Temporalis fascia widely used for interposision material and act as a lubricant that makes movement frictionless. Costochondral graft can be used for RCU reconstruction to prevent decreasing mandibular ramus height and openbite. CONCLUSION: Growing age increases the risk of TMJ reankylosis. Interpositional arthroplasty, which used temporalis fascia and a costochondral graft, has resulted in a sufficient mouth opening and an improvement in masticatory function. Recurrence was not found in the 1-year postoperative evaluation.

3D-CT measurements of facial symmetry in severe CFM patients: A comparative study between mandibular ascending ramus distraction osteogenesis and bone grafting.

This study aims to compare the effects of mandibular distraction osteogenesis (MDO) and bone grafting on the facial symmetry of children with Pruzansky-Kaban type IIB and III craniofacial microsomia (CFM). Medical records and three-dimensional computed tomography (3D-CT) data of CFM patients who had primarily undergone MDO and bone grafting were collected. A retrospective analysis of pre-and post-operative 3D imaging data was conducted to compare the improvement rate in facial symmetry between the two groups based on occlusal cant, affected/unaffected ramus height ratio and chin point deviation. The data were tested for normality using the Shapiro-Wilk test. When the data followed a normal distribution, a paired sample t-test was employed for the comparison between preoperative and postoperative data. When the data did not follow a normal distribution, the Wilcoxon signed-rank test for paired samples was used for preoperative and postoperative comparison. The study included 18 children with type IIB and III CFM, 11 in the MDO group and 7 in the bone grafting group. In the MDO group, postoperative Gn-FH and Gn-Cor distances increased significantly, whereas the postoperative Gn-Mid distance decreased significantly. Occlusal cant decreased significantly and ramus height affected/unaffected ratio increased significantly after MDO. In the bone graft group, there was no statistically significant difference in the postoperative ratios of chin deviation, occlusal cant, and ramus height affected/unaffected compared to the preoperative values. Compared to bone grafting, MDO can significantly enhance ramus height ratio, level occlusal plane, and centralize the chin point among patients with CFM. Furthermore, MDO achieves superior enhancements in facial symmetry.

Modified tragus edge incision and transmasseteric anteroparotid approach to condyle reconstruction.

OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to analyze the application value of a modified tragus edge incision and transmasseteric anteroparotid approach to condyle reconstruction. METHODS: Condyle reconstruction was performed in 16 patients (9 females and 7 males) with modified tragus edge incision and transmasseteric anteroparotid approach. After regular follow-up, the function of condyle reconstruction was evaluated by clinical indicators, such as parotid salivary fistula, facial nerve function, mouth opening, occlusal relationship, and facial scar. The morphology of rib graft rib cartilage was evaluated by imaging indicators, such as panoramic radiography, CT, and three-dimensional CT image reconstruction. RESULTS: At 6-36 months postoperative follow-up, all patients had good recovery of facial appearance, concealed incisional scar, no parotid salivary fistula, good mouth opening, and occlusion. One case had temporary facial paralysis and recovered after treatment. Radiographic evaluation further showed that costochondral graft survived in normal anatomic locations. CONCLUSIONS: The modified tragus edge incision and transmasseteric anteroparotid approach can effectively reduce parotid salivary fistula and facial nerve injury in condylar reconstruction. The surgical field was clearly exposed, and the incision scar was concealed without increasing the incidence of other complications. Thus, this approach is worthy of clinical promotion.

Long term complications of costochondral graft reconstruction in temporomandibular joint ankylosis of the young- a systematic review.

Costochondral graft has been a popular reconstruction choice in the past for temporomandibular joint ankylosis in young individuals. However, accounts of growth hampering complications have also been observed. Our systematic review aims to compile all existing evidence to determine the occurrence of these unfavourable clinical outcomes as well as factors affecting them to provide a better judgement on further use of these grafts. A systematic review was conducted following PRISMA guidelines where databases like PubMed, Web of science and Google Scholar were searched for the purpose of data extraction. Observational studies performed on patients younger than 18 years of age with a minimum follow-up of one year were selected. Incidence of long term complications like reankylosis, abnormal graft growth, facial asymmetry and others were considered as outcome variables. Eight articles with a total of 95 patients were selected where complications like reankylosis (6.32%), graft overgrowth (13.70%), insufficient graft growth (22.11%), no graft growth (3.20%) and facial asymmetry (20%) were reported. Other complications like mandibular deviation (3.20%), retrognathia (1.05%) and prognathic mandible (3.20%) were also observed. Our review concludes that the occurrence of these complications was noteworthy. Thus use of costochondral graft for reconstruction in temporomandibular ankylosis in young patients holds significant risk in development of growth abnormalities. However, modifications in surgical procedure such as use of appropriate graft cartilage thickness and the presence and type of interpositional material can favourably affect the frequency and type of growth abnormality.

Modified tragus edge incision and transmasseteric anteroparotid approach to condyle reconstruction / 华西口腔医学杂志

OBJECTIVES@#This study aimed to analyze the application value of a modified tragus edge incision and transmasseteric anteroparotid approach to condyle reconstruction.@*METHODS@#Condyle reconstruction was performed in 16 patients (9 females and 7 males) with modified tragus edge incision and transmasseteric anteroparotid approach. After regular follow-up, the function of condyle reconstruction was evaluated by clinical indicators, such as parotid salivary fistula, facial nerve function, mouth opening, occlusal relationship, and facial scar. The morphology of rib graft rib cartilage was evaluated by imaging indicators, such as panoramic radiography, CT, and three-dimensional CT image reconstruction.@*RESULTS@#At 6-36 months postoperative follow-up, all patients had good recovery of facial appearance, concealed incisional scar, no parotid salivary fistula, good mouth opening, and occlusion. One case had temporary facial paralysis and recovered after treatment. Radiographic evaluation further showed that costochondral graft survived in normal anatomic locations.@*CONCLUSIONS@#The modified tragus edge incision and transmasseteric anteroparotid approach can effectively reduce parotid salivary fistula and facial nerve injury in condylar reconstruction. The surgical field was clearly exposed, and the incision scar was concealed without increasing the incidence of other complications. Thus, this approach is worthy of clinical promotion.

Costochondral grafts for reconstruction of acquired mandibular defects involving the temporomandibular joint: Report of two cases.

Autogenous reconstruction of temporomandibular joint (TMJ) with costochondral graft (CCG) has been a popular method of growth center transfer in children. However, unpredictable growth pattern of CCG has been reported in children that often leads to dentofacial deformities in future. This institutional study describes the results of mandibular reconstruction with CCG in two growing children, one with plexiform ameloblastoma of mandible and the other with unilateral TMJ ankylosis. Long-term follow-ups showed a significant growth of the grafts in both the patients. However, there was a lack of uniformity in the amount and rate of growth. The authors support the theory that CCG possesses innate growth potential and is a desirable option for reconstruction of acquired mandibular defects involving the TMJ in pediatric population. However, regular postoperative monitoring is necessary for such patients as the graft shows an unpredictable growth pattern.

Autogenous Reconstruction of the Temporomandibular Joint.

Reconstruction of the temporomandibular joint can optimize many basic functions (airway obstruction, feeding, speech difficulties) and rectify facial deformity. In children, it can restore potential growth. Reconstruction in adults is now mainly performed with alloplastic techniques but autogenous vascularized grafts are often required in patients with large composite facial defects or postradiation treatment. In children, autogenous grafting remains the primary reconstructive choice despite a high further surgery rate and increasing interest in alloplastic techniques. The costochondral graft remains the most widely used technique due to the potential for growth restoration and low donor site morbidity.

Reconstruction options in pediatric population with hemi or total mandibulectomy defects: A systematic review.

Purpose: Mandibular pathologies causing extensive defects in pediatrics is relatively rare, and sparse literature is available for the reconstructive options of the same. The main aim is to provide optimum esthetics and function. Materials and methods: PubMed, Cochrane CENTRAL, Embase, MEDLINE and Scopus databases were searched for articles published only in English language up to May 2021, involving reconstruction of hemi or total mandibulectomy defects in patients with the age of 8 years or less, associated with benign or malignant pathology. Primary outcome variable was the success of reconstruction. Qualitative analysis was performed using a microsoft excel-sheet. Results: Of the 2201 articles reviewed, only fourteen were selected for data extraction. 22 patients were included. Fifteen were benign, six were malignant pathologies, and one was not defined. Hemi-mandibulectomy was performed in twenty-one cases, while one underwent total mandibulectomy. Condyle was preserved in five cases, while was removed in nine. Single-stage reconstruction was done in nineteen cases, while second-stage reconstruction was done in the other three. Reconstruction was done with fibular graft in thirteen cases, while CCG was used in others with variable follow-up time. Though minor complications were observed, success was observed in all cases post reconstruction with either fibula or CCG graft, defined either by function, or growth. Conclusion: Irrespective of the age-group, nature of pathology and size of the defect, reconstruction should be considered with either fibula or CCG in single-stage, as they are equally efficacious, with minor complications. Well-defined reconstructive paradigm should be developed for pediatric mandibular reconstruction.

A conceptual framework for treating jaw deformities in patients with abnormal condyles: preservation versus replacement of the glenoid fossa-disc-condyle-ramus.

This article outlines a conceptual approach to the reconstruction of jaw deformities associated with abnormalities in the mandibular condyle. The authors describe a hierarchy of reconstruction, emphasizing use of the least invasive and progressing to the most complex and invasive techniques, depending on the nature and severity of the underlying deformity, prior operations, patient age, and stage of growth. Consider joint preservation orthognathic surgical correction, followed by biological techniques for replacement of the condyle, and avoid replacing a functional temporomandibular joint based only on radiographic remodeling and concerns about potential future flare-ups of disease based on anecdotal data.

Does no-intraoperative correction of chin deviation prevent costochondral graft overgrowth in pediatric temporomandibular joint ankylosis management - an intermediate outcome study.

The use of costochondral graft is controversial for pediatric temporomandibular joint reconstruction due to its unpredictable growth. The height of the cartilage is directly responsible for the growth capacity of costochondral graft. Even after keeping the cartilage in costochondral graft to a recommended height, overgrowth has been reported. Traditionally during costochondral graft fixation, chin deviation is corrected intraoperatively. The investigators hypothesized that this intraoperative manipulation of mandible to correct chin deviation and maintaining the chin in new position causes excessive stress and strain in the muscular functional matrix. The authors believe that this may be the reason for excessive growth trigger on the grafted side. This study intends to prove the hypothesis of no-intraoperative correction of chin deviation can prevent overgrowth of the costochondral graft. We implied this technique in pediatric temporomandibular joint ankylosis patients managed with osteoarthrectomy and reconstructed with costochondral graft. Patients with at least a follow-up of 30-months were included in the study. The study sample consisted of 20 patients. All the patients had adequate growth with improvement in facial asymmetry. The results of the present study supports our hypothesis of no-intraoperative correction of chin deviation as a technique to prevent overgrowth of costochondral graft. We recommend this technique to allow catch-up of growth rather than acceleration of growth. This change in technique needs more research, randomized controlled trial for reliability and long-term results.

Strategies to reduce re-ankylosis in temporomandibular joint ankylosis patients.

The purpose of the study was to define a protocol for the prevention of re-ankylosis after surgical management of temporomandibular joint ankylosis (TMJA). The investigators designed a retrospective study on all TMJA patients treated with different treatment modalities from 2013 to 2019. The investigators observed that complete removal of the ankylotic mass particularly on the medial side; use of a piezoelectric scalpel for a clean and smooth osteotomy with copious irrigation to remove bone chips and slurry; less trauma to the local tissue; osteotomy design parallel and inferior osteotomy at the narrowest part, which mostly corresponds to the condylar neck; performance of a coronoidectomy (if mouth opening is <30mm), fat interposition; no intraoperative correction of any pre-existing chin deviation when treated with costochondral graft; patient motivation; and aggressive physiotherapy, and use of a vacuum drain are all important to prevent re-ankylosis, irrespective of the treatment modality. A total of 114 patients (n=152 joints), [bilateral (n=38), unilateral (n=76)] were evaluated retrospectively. Interpositional arthroplasty with fat was performed in n=43, CCG was used for reconstruction in n=30 and total joint replacement (TJR) was done in n=41 patients. Re-ankylosis was seen in n=3 (2.6%) patients (2 in CCG and 1 patient in interpositional arthroplasty). The follow-up ranged from 12-80 months. The results conclude that following the suggested best practice protocol is effective in reducing re-ankylosis.

Ankylosis management with autogenous grafts: A systematic review.

A systematic review was performed to assess the clinical outcomes of the reconstructive methods using autogenous grafts for the management of temporomandibular joint (TMJ) ankylosis A comprehensive electronic and manual search of the literature without date or language restriction was performed in January 2021 to identify randomized controlled trials, prospective, and retrospective studies with the aim of comparing the various surgical modalities for TMJ ankylosis. Twenty-six publications were included: prospective (n â€‹= â€‹17), retrospective (n â€‹= â€‹7), randomised control trial (n â€‹= â€‹1) and ambispective study (n â€‹= â€‹1). Costochondral graft was the most common graft used followed by Coronoid process graft. Meta-analysis was not possible as most of studies were non-controlled in nature. Based on the available data, there was a strong evidence that autogenous grafts especially Costochondral grafts and coronoid grafts have remained one of the most favoured methods of reconstruction. Prospective and randomized control studies are recommended for the best stratification for the use of autogenous grafts for the management of TMJ ankylosis.

[Revision of failed resection arthroplasty of the CMC-1 joint using a costochondral graft]. / Revision der fehlgeschlagenen Resektionsarthroplastik des Daumensattelgelenkes unter Verwendung eines Knochen-Knorpel-Transplantats von der Rippe.

OBJECTIVE: To correct and prevent the proximalisation of the 1st ray by safe stabilisation using an autologous costochondral graft. Reduction of pain and maintaining good pinch and grip strength while preserving the important opposition of the thumb. INDICATIONS: Painful proximalisation of the 1st ray after failed trapeziectomy with contact between the base of the 1st metacarpal and the trapezoid or scaphoid. CONTRAINDICATIONS: Painful conditions following trapeziectomy for other causes. SURGICAL TECHNIQUE: Perioperative antibiotic prophylaxis is required. Extension of the previous incision and exposure of the sensitive radial branches and the radial artery. Longitudinal incision of the capsule and excision of the scar from the trapezium cavity. Dissection of the scar tissue directly around the metacarpal 1 base. After longitudinal resection of the oblique trapezoid surface, insertion of a suture anchor into the scaphoid joint surface close to the trapezoid. Removal of an approximately 2 cm long piece of rib cartilage from the middle costal arch. Insertion of the costochondral graft into the trapezium space and fixation with the suture anchor. Stable capsule closure. Suction drain. Skin suture. Thumb-forearm splint. POSTOPERATIVE MANAGEMENT: Postoperative immobilisation of the carpometacarpal (CMC)-1 joint for 4 weeks in medium abduction position. In case of uneventful wound healing also with a well-fitting orthosis. Afterwards independent movement exercises and exercises in warm water. Hand therapy only in case of difficult mobilisation at the earliest 2 months after surgery. RESULTS: From 2015-2018, 18 patients underwent surgery using this technique. The follow-up was at least 2 years after surgery. Of the 15 patients available for follow-up, 93% were classified as good and improved according to the Conolly-Rath score.

Temporomandibular joint reconstruction with costochondral graft: case series study.

Various techniques have been used to reconstruct the temporomandibular joints, including autogenous transplants and alloplastic implants. Among autogenous grafts, costochondral grafts have mainly been used. A costochondral graft has many advantages over other autogenous grafts and alloplastic implants. Harvest is easy and has minimal impact on patients. The graft can bear functional load well and biocompatibility is excellent. A costochondral graft obviates foreign body reactions and further surgery for revision of alloplastic replacements if the graft takes well. Although long-term prognosis remains unclear, it appears that for autogenous condylar reconstruction, costochondral grafts can be used with few complications and acceptable results. This article describes cases and discusses surgical techniques and considerations related to costochondral grafts.

Can costochondral grafts fulfil ramus-condyle unit reconstruction goals in children with temporomandibular joint ankylosis?

The purpose of this study was to analyse whether costochondral grafts (CCG) fulfil temporomandibular joint (TMJ) reconstructive goals in children with TMJ ankylosis. A total of 23 patients (12 male, 11 female, aged 3-16 years) with unilateral or bilateral TMJ ankylosis operated on between January 2014 to April 2018 were included in the study. Maximal incisal opening (MIO), frequency of reankylosis, and growth of CCG, were evaluated at one month and six months for one year, and after that once yearly. Mouth opening changes with time were assessed by the Friedman test and growth was compared at follow up and analysed using the paired t test. Mean (range) follow up was 18 (12-48) months. Study results revealed follow up MIO at 12 months was highly significant (p=0.001). Out of 27 CCG studied, only one graft had undergone re-ankylosis. Based on the predetermined criteria using condylion to gnathion (Co-Gn) measurement in the posteroanterior cephalogram, CCG were categorised into optimum, sub-optimum, and overgrowth. However, long-standing TMJ ankylosis cases still displayed mandibular asymmetry at the end of the study, even with "optimal growth" radiographically. Overall comparison between the immediate postoperative and last follow up Co-Gn measurements in either unilateral or bilateral cases was not significant. CCG with functional matrix maintained the growth of the mandible and MIO in TMJ ankylosis. It can be concluded that CCG partially fulfils reconstructive goals; however, patients need to be followed up till the end of puberty for a substantive conclusion.