The Application of Intraoperative Computed Tomography in Surgical Management of Temporomandibular Joint Ankylosis.

PURPOSE: To investigate the application and value of intraoperative computed tomography (CT) in the surgical management of temporomandibular joint (TMJ) ankylosis.

PATIENTS AND

METHODS

Patients who underwent surgery of TMJ ankylosis with the aid of intraoperative CT scan from July 2016 to December 2018 were retrospectively studied. Demographics, type of ankylosis, surgical method, intraoperative CT scan time, radiographic evidence, the CT-directed revision rate, and clinical outcomes were analyzed.

RESULTS

Four patients (5 sides) were successfully operated with the aid of intraoperative CT imaging, and CT-directed revisions were made in 3 of them during surgery. The average time spent in CT scanning was (10.2 ± 3.3) minutes. No surgical complications were noted, and a good satisfaction rate (with an average maximum mouth opening of 38.8 mm and no recurrence during the follow-up period) was obtained.

CONCLUSIONS

Intraoperative CT scanning is a helpful tool in the evaluation of the radiographic result of TMJ ankylosis, and a real-time revision could be made. It increased the precision and safety of the surgery of TMJ ankylosis.