Is Gap Arthroplasty Sufficient in TMJ Ankylosis: Our Experience

A 10-year retrospective analysis of eight patients with temporomandibular joint (TMJ) ankylosis. The age, gender distribution, etiology, affected side (unilateral or bilateral), mouth opening (MO), and occlusion were evaluated pre-operatively and after gap arthroplasty (GA) with follow-up two years. In this study, there were eight participants, with an average age of 24.75 ± 3.8 years, gender distribution was 62% men and 38% females with seven individuals having etiology of trauma and 1 pathology. TMJ ankylosis was found to be bilateral in 38% of patients and unilateral in 62%. Pre-op and two-year follow-up MO showed a mean of 10.75 ± 3.8 mm and 30.4 ± 5.6 mm, respectively. Re-ankylosis was not reported in any cases. The most effective care for TMJ ankylosis begins with a correct and timely diagnosis, followed by the development of a proper/comprehensive treatment plan thus improving the patient’s quality of life. We conclude that all of our GA patients had appropriate MO at follow-up of 24 months. Long-term functional outcomes of GA are satisfactory as it justifies adequate MO with minimal complications. After GA jaw physiotherapy is also critical for long-term success.