Abstract
In two cases with temporomandibular joint (TMJ) ankylosis caused in early childhood, TMJ mobilization operation was performed at an early stage. Their jawdevelopments were observed till adulthood. In Case 1, TMJ osteoarthrotomy was performed on both sides at the age of 2 years and 9 months. In this case, the position of the maxilla at age 12 and age 21 changed to lower forward direction compared to that at age 3. With respect to the development of the maxilla, while vertical development of the maxilla was deficient at age 3, its development was almost normal at age 12 and age 21. The mandible was positioned in the lower forward direction at age 12. At age 21, the position was changed further in the lower direction compared to that at age 3 and the horizontal development of the mandible showed significantly deficient growth at age 3, age 12 and age 21. On the other hand, the vertical development of the mandible at age 2, age 12 and age 21 were all close to normal.
In case 2, TMJ osteoarthrotomy was performed on the right side of the TMJ at the age of 2 years and 5 months.In this case, the positions of the maxilla at age 10 and age 18 were also lower forward compared to that at age 2. While the vertical development of the maxilla was deficient at age 2, it was almost normal at age 10 and age 18. The position of the mandible at age 10 was lower forward compared to that at age 2. At age 18, the position was changed further in the lower direction compared to that at age 2. The horizontal development of the mandible showed significantly deficient growth at age 2, age 10 and age 18. The vertical development at age 2, age 10 and age 18 on the affected side showed deficient growth but on the healthy side, growth at age 2, age 10 and age 18 were all close to normal.
From the above, it was found that even if the functions of the jaw are retrieved through early TMJ mobilization operation for TMJ ankylosis in childhood, the horizontal development of the mandible will remain deficient.
