Abstract
Temporomandibular joint （TMJ） ankylosis causes fibrosis or bony changes in the structural tissues of the jaw. This results in persistent impairment of jaw-specific movement. In addition to marked trismus, there is impairment of eating and mastication, and dysarthria. Facial shape is altered, causing cosmetic problems, and patients have a lower quality of life （QOL）. While TMJ ankylosis is often caused by external factors, such as traffic accidents or falls, it can also occur secondary to conditions such as psoriatic arthritis involving the TMJ, rheumatoid arthritis of the TMJ, or ankylosing spondylitis.
It has been reported that when resecting the adhered portion, a gap arthroplasty of at least 15mm is appropriate to prevent re-ankylosis. For bone resection of the site of ankylosis, if the mouth-opening distance is insufficient, coronoidectomy on the affected side or both sides is performed.
There have been many reports of re-ankylosis of the resected site post-surgery following mobilization of the TMJ, and various inserts are used to prevent it. Going forward, it is anticipated that treatment aiming for the prevention of re-ankylosis and improved patient QOL will be achieved through widespread use of total TMJ replacement systems, new materials, and continuous mouth-opening exercise.
