Management of temporomandibular joint ankylosis: a case report of joint replacement with piezoelectric surgery.

AIM: Temporomandibular joint (TMJ) ankylosis is a joint disorder which refers to bone or fibrous adhesion of the anatomic joint components and the ensuing loss of function. This report describes the management of a case of bilateral TMJ ankylosis in a 20-year-old patient with prosthetic replacement with the aid of a piezoelectric instrument (MECTRON (R).

METHODS

The right ankylotic mass was surgically removed and replaced by a custom-made prosthesis based on data obtained from three-dimensional computed tomography (CT) reconstruction of the skull of the patient using a stereolithography model.

RESULTS

At six months postoperative, the opening of the mouth was stable at 36 mm and imaging studies (CT and magnetic resonance imaging [MRI]) showed a great condylar prosthesis and surrounding tissues in addition to partial remodeling of the left TMJ.

CONCLUSION

In this patient, despite the bilateral ankylosis, it was sufficient to intervene only on the right TMJ, which presented a serious bone block, with mobilization since surgery gradually restored the anatomical and functional conditions of the left TMJ compatible with normal activities of mastication and speech.