Temporomandibular joint ankylosis in children.

Ankylosis of the temporomandibular joint (TMJ) is a clinical manifestation with multiple etiologies that interferes with the growth of the affected condyle, owing to its fusion with both the glenoid cavity and the skull base with a limitation of mandibular movement, occlusion or forced semi-occlusion, speech and feeding difficulties, and facial asymmetry. Diagnosis and treatment of these oral manifestations are complex, involving several health practitioners such physicians, dental surgeons, physiotherapists, and psychologists. The purpose of this paper is to report a case of a 3-year-old female who presented with limited mouth opening and facial deformity due to birth trauma, which resulted in right TMJ ankylosis and consequently affected the child's growth and 'social' life.