Abstract
To treat temporomandibular joint ankylosis, temporomandibular joint mobilization is generally performed, adopting an extraoral approach. In this study, we performed right coronoidectomy and lower temporomandibular joint mobilization, adopting an intraoral approach, to treat temporomandibular joint ankylosis due to malunion after a condylar process fracture, and achieved a favorable postoperative course; 1 year and 6 months after surgery, the range of mouth opening was 38 mm with the absence of pain. A panoramic X-ray and 3-dimensional CT images confirmed bone resorption and pseudarthrosis formation at the osteotomy stump, and there was no bone interference when opening the mouth. The results of this study suggest that temporomandibular joint mobilization adopting an intraoral approach may be an appropriate treatment choice in cases of extensive osseous ankylosis and coronoid process elongation in the medial part of the mandibular condyle. Furthermore, in order to prevent readhesion, it may be necessary to actively provide mouth-opening training after surgery.
