Ankylosis of the temporalis-coronoid complex of the mandible.

Ankylosis of the temporalis-coronoid complex is a clinical entity. The etiology is usually direct trauma to the temporalis muscle or coronoid process of the mandible. It is difficult to differentiate diagnostically from ankylosis of the adjacent temporomandibular joint, and should always be considered in the differential diagnosis of inability to open the mouth. The treatment is always surgical and the intraoral approach is favored. The cure rate with this modality of therapy has been gratifying.