2018 Volume 64 Issue 10 Pages 582-587
Ankylosing spondylitis (AS) is a chronic inflammatory disease characterized by inflammation and ankylosis of the axial skeleton. Initial symptoms often include lumbosacral pain with limited range of motion. Temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders are found in 3.0% to 20.5% of all cases of AS. However, cases of AS associated with TMJ ankylosis are rarely reported.
This report describes a 66-year-old male patient who was given a diagnosis of AS accompanied by bilateral TMJ ankylosis. The patient had a medical history of AS for approximately 30 years. The patient was referred for examination because he could only open his mouth a maximum of 5 mm. Computed tomographic images showed no TMJ space and revealed a bony mass causing ankylosis of the osseous components of both temporomandibular joints. Magnetic resonance imaging revealed sclerosis of the bone marrow in the condyles, and the articular disk was not visible. Bone scintigraphy revealed involvement of the spine, sacroiliac joints, right knee, bilateral elbows, and both acromioclavicular joints.
This report describes the clinical treatment and management of TMJ ankylosis in a patient with AS. The postoperative course has been uneventful for 3 years, and the maximum mouth opening has increased to 40 mm without any complications.
