Management of temporomandibular joint ankylosis in yemeni children by metatarsal bone grafts

Aim: This study aimed to evaluate temporomandibular joint reconstruction in Yemeni children with metatarsal bone graft after release of ankylosis. Methodology: Ten patients ≤12 years of age, comprising eight unilateral and two bilaterally TMJ ankylosis, were selected for this study. These patients underwent reconstruction with 10 non-vascularized metatarsal grafts. The reconstructed joints were then followed for an average of 1 year. Measures of opening, symmetry, and clinical symptoms relating to the reconstructed joints were assessed. Results: Mean pre-operative interincisal aperture was 8.2mm, and immediate post-operative aperture 23.4mm. At the end of the follow-up period, acceptable results were achieved in 8 out of 10 cases, with adequate mouth opening of 35.6mm in 8 out of 10 patients and overall interincisal aperture of 30.3mm. Re-ankylosis occurred in two bilaterally-treated patients at the end of follow-up. Subjectively, 80 percent of the patients rated their function as satisfactory and were able to occlude and masticate without any difficulty. Conclusion: Reconstruction of TMJ after release of ankylosis utilizing metatarsal bone graft shows a satisfactory interincisal aperture in 80 percent of patients.

Temporomandibular Joint Ankylosis in Young Adult: A Case Report.

Temporomandibular joint (TMJ) ankylosis is a debilitating condition. It involves the mouth opening, dentofacial deformity, diet problem, and quality of life. When it occurs in a child, it can have devastating effects on the future growth and development of the jaws and teeth. Furthermore, in many cases it has a profoundly negative influence on the psychosocial development of the patient, because of the obvious facial deformity, which worsens with growth. TMJ ankylosis results in a limitation of the mouth opening. This disorder can result in an array of problems with diet, facial deformity, and poor oral hygiene. Three main surgical modalities described in the literature for its management are gap arthroplasty, interpositional arthroplasty and total joint replacement. Recurrence remains the main problem after surgery. Aggressive resection and intensive postoperative physiotherapy are recommended to prevent re-ankylosis.

Post-traumatic-Zygomaticocoronoid Ankylosis: A Rare Clinical Case Report.

Fusion of the zygomatic bone to the coronoid process of the mandible is a rare phenomenon reported in the literature and commonly called as zygomaticocoronoid ankylosis. It can be sequel of trauma or infection in the midfacial region, mimicking a wide range of problems including the common temporomandibular joint ankylosis and dysfunction. Maxillofacial trauma involving the displaced fracture of zygoma can obstruct the movement of coronoid and if not treated can cause ankylosis between both bones. It is very diffi cult to identify zygomaticocoronoid ankylosis on conventional radiographs and requires the through clinical and advanced radiological evaluation like cone-beam computed tomographic (CBCT) to diagnose it. CBCT can be a great help to identify the size and extension of ankylotic mass and decide the approach to remove it. Zygomaticocoronoid ankylosis can be approached intraorally by Keen’s incision, and extraorally through a hemicoronal approach we have approached intraorally. Here, we present surgical management of post-traumatic zygomaticocoronoid ankylosis in 42-year-old male patient who had trismus for 18 years.

Interpositional Arthroplasty with Temporomyofascial Flap to Correct TMJ Reankylosis in Child: A Case Report.

Temporomandibular joint ankylosis (TMA) is a highly distressing condition in which the temporomandibular joint (TMJ) is replaced by scar tissue. Most frequently reported complications after surgical treatment are limited mouth opening and re-ankylosis. Reankylosis happens due to inadequate bone removal, lack of sufficient interpositional material, fibrous tissue adhesions and elongation of coronoid process and regrowth of bone in the sigmoid notch area. In gap arthroplasty treatment chances to recurrence is 53% than interpositional arthroplasy. We treated a case of right sided TMJ reankylosis by interpositional arthroplasty with temporomyofacial flap and physiotherapy was started 3 days after surgery and maintained for 6 months. In 2 years follow-up, no signs of recurrence and maximum mouth opening 45 mm were observed. The success in preventing reankylosis after TMJ interpositional arthroplasty with temporomyofacial flap is relatively better than gap arthroplasty alone.

Treatment of Unilateral TMJ Ankylosis in a Pediatric Patient with Temporalis Fascia Flap A Case Report.

The definite cause of temporomandibular joint (TMJ) ankylosis is still an unknown fact. TMJ ankylosis may result from, infection, trauma or insufficient surgical treatment of the mandibular condyle region. Different techniques have been described so far for the treatment of TMJ ankylosis, but no technique has successfully given uniform results. Relapse causing limited mouth opening, infection, open bite, reankylosis are the complications. Many authors agree that aggressive physiotherapy immediately after the surgical procedure, interpositional graft as spacer and wide bone resection are the basic principles in treating TMJ ankylosis. In this article, we discussed a case of unilateral TMJ ankylosis, in a 9-year-old boy, treated with the intre-positional gap arthroplasty with superficial temporalis fascia flap.

Anquilosis de ATM: riesgos anatómicos y potencialidad del sistema piezoeléctrico / TMJ ankylosis: anatomical risk and piezoelectric system potentiality

El objetivo de este trabajo es presentar los riesgos anatómicos en el abordaje de la anquilosis de la articulación temporo mandibular (ATM) y el uso del sistema piezoeléctrico para realizar la resección de la misma. La paciente sexo femenino, 12 años, presento una anquilosis de la ATM derecha, previamente operada en base a reconstrucción con un injerto costocondral. Luego de 4 años de realizada la primera reconstrucción se presentó con una nueva anquilosis del área presentando una masa de tejido óseo de 31 mm en sentido latero-medial, que abarcaba hasta el foramen oval en la base de cráneo y de 28 mm en sentido anteroposterior. La lesión fue abordada con un acceso preauricular y posterior resección con sistema piezoeléctrico, utilizando una técnica de resección en bloque. Se presenta la técnica y se discute la potencialidad de realizar este procedimientos con los nuevos sistemas piezoeléctrico.

The aim of this report is to present the anatomical risk for to treat the temporo mandibular joint (TMJ) ankylosis and the use of the piezoelectric system for to make the bone resection. Female patient, 12 years old, presented a right TMJ ankylosis, that was previously operated with a costocondral graft reconstruction. After 4 year from these reconstructive surgery the patient was involved in a new TMJ anklylosis of the same side showing a bone mass with 31mm in an meddle-lateral direction, with compromise until to oval foramen in the skull base and 28mm in the anterior-posterior direction. The lesion was operated by a preauricular approach and then a bone resection with the piezoelectric system, using a block resection technique. In this report it´s present the technique and is discusses the potentiality of the new piezoelectric system for these procedures.

Distracção osteogênica mandibular: experiência do INTO-RJ / Mandibular distraction osteogenesis: experience of the INTO-RJ

Introdução: O desenvolvimento das técnicas de distracção do esqueleto craniofacial representou um grande avanço na prática da cirurgia craniofacial. A distracção é uma técnica menos invasiva, mais rápida e com uma morbidade aparentemente menor comparada com as técnicas tradicionais de reconstrução craniofacial. No ano de 2013, o serviço de Cirurgia Crânio Maxilo Facial do INTO realizou uma série de casos de distracção mandibular. Este trabalho objetiva apresentar nossa experiência. Métodos: De janeiro a março de 2013, sete pacientes realizaram cirurgia de distracção mandibular. Todos os pacientes operados apresentavam hipoplasia mandibular uni ou bilateral em decorrência de anquilose de ATM ou microssomia craniofacial. Em alguns pacientes com anquilose de ATM foi realizada também a ressecção do bloco anquilótico no mesmo tempo da distracção. Resultados: No pós-operatório houve melhora de todas as funções estomatognáticas, ganho de peso, decanulação da paciente traqueostomizada e melhora na qualidade do sono. Houve melhora nos perfis faciais, as laterognatias foram amenizadas e a abertura oral aumentou na maioria dos pacientes. A abertura oral aumentou de maneira mais significativa naqueles pacientes onde a cirurgia de anquilose foi realizada em conjunto com a distracção. A complicação mais comum foi dor à ativação, relato de cinco pacientes (71%).Conclusão: A distracção osteogênica da mandíbula é uma boa alternativa para o tratamento das hipoplasias mandibulares, muitas vezes sendo a primeira indicação em algumas situações clínicas. Aparentemente tem morbidade menor do que as reconstruções clássicas de mandíbula e possui o bônus de alongar também os tecidos moles.

Introduction: The introduction of distraction of the craniofacial skeleton represented a great advancement in the practice of craniofacial surgery. Distraction is a less invasive technique that is faster and with an apparently lower morbidity than the traditional craniofacial reconstruction techniques. In 2013, the craniomaxillofacial surgery service of the Institute of Traumatology and Orthopaedics performed a series of mandibular distraction surgeries. In this article, we aim to present our experience. Methods: From January to March 2013, seven patients underwent mandibular distraction surgery. All patients exhibited unilateral or bilateral mandibular hypoplasia due to ankylosis of the temporomandibular joint (TMJ), or craniofacial microsomia. In some patients with ankylosis of the TMJ, resection of the anlylotic block was also performed concomitantly with the distraction. Results: Postoperative improvement was noted in all the stomatognathic functions: weight gain, decannulation of a tracheostomized patient, and improved quality of sleep. There was an improvement in facial profiles: the laterognathism was eased and the mouth opening increased in most patients. The mouth opening increased more significantly in patients in whom ankylosis surgery was done in conjunction with the distraction. The most common complication was pain upon distraction, reported by five patients (71%). Conclusion: Mandibular distraction osteogenesis is a good alternative for the treatment of mandibular hypoplasia, often being the first indication in some clinical situations. It apparently has a lower morbidity than the classic mandible reconstructions and has the added benefit of also lengthening the soft tissues.

Gap vs interpositional arthroplasty in the management of temporomandibular joint ankylosis

The objectives of the study were to evaluate the outcome of Gap arthroplasty and Interpositional arthroplasty in terms of mouth opening for management of TMJ ankylosis. This Quasi experimental study was carried out in Oral and Maxillofacial Surgical unit, Khyber College of Dentistry, Peshawar from May 2006 to August 2007. Sixty patients of TMJ ankylosis seeking treatment for the first time, irrespective of age and gender were included in the study. Thirty patients were treated by gap arthroplasty [group A], while thirty patients by disc interpositional arthroplasty [group B]. A postoperative jaw opening exercise regimen was followed and interincisal distance/ mouth opening was measured at each follow up visit. Both groups were evaluated for difference in mouth opening. Descriptive statistics and Independent samples T-test was applied with significance level at P < 0.05. After 6-months postoperative follow up, mean interincisal distance was 30.80 mm [+/- 3.17 mm] for group A, and 32.20 mm [+/- 4.14 mm] for group B. Difference between the two groups was not significant [p= 0.147]. Postoperative jaw opening exercises are crucial for lasting success

Temporomandibular joint ankylosis in a nigerian teaching hospital / Anquilosis de la articulación temporomandibular en un hospital docente de nigeria

Twenty-six patients (12 males and 14 females) between two days and 41 years old with temporomandibular joint ankylosis were retrospectively reviewed. Thirty-three joints were involved; 19 unilateral and six bilateral. The aetiologies were trauma, 69.2%; infection, 15.4%; unknown, 11.5% and congenital, 3.9. The majority, 31 were intracapsular while the remaining two joints were extracapsular. 51.6% were limited to the condyle, 32.2% extended to the coronoid process and the zygomatic, 9.7% extended to the sigmoid notch while the remaining 6.5% had maxillomandibular fusion. Tracheostomy (48%) was the most common mode of intubation. Gap arthroplasty was carried out in 20 joints while 11 joints had interposition arthroplasty. Postoperative complications were seven anterior open bite, three facial nerve weakness, three infections and two recurrences.

Veintiséis pacientes (12 varones y 14 hembras) entre dos días de nacidos y 41 años de edad que presentaban anquilosis de la articulación, fueron objeto de un examen retrospectivo. El examen abarcó el estudio de treinta y tres articulaciones - 19 unilaterales y seis bilaterales. Las etiologías fueron traumas (69.2%), infecciones (15.4%), causas desconocidas (11.5%) y causas congénitas (3.9%). La mayoría - 31 en total - fueron intracapsulares, en tanto que las otras dos restantes fueron extracapsulares. El 51.6% estuvieron limitadas al cóndilo, 32.2% se extendían al proceso coronoides y el cigomático, 9.7% se extendían hasta la escotadura sigmoidea, mientras que el restante 6.5% presentaba fusión maxilomandibular. La traqueotomía (48%) fue el modo de entubación más común. La artroplastia de intervalo se llevó a cabo en 20 articulaciones, mientras que 11 articulaciones tuvieron artroplastia de interposición. Las complicaciones post-operatorias fueron siete casos de mordida abierta anterior, tres casos de debilidad del nervio facial, tres infecciones, y dos recurrencias.

Challenges of airway management in a patient with temporomandibular joint ankylosis complicating forceps delivery: a case report / Retos en el tratamiento de las vías respiratorias en una paciente con anquilosis de la articulación temporomandibular complicando el parto con fórceps: reporte de un caso

Ankylosis of the temporomandibular joint following forceps delivery is a rare anomaly. The aetiopathogenesis involves wrongful application of the forceps or forceful closure of the forceps handle against the condyle with haemathrosis, organisation and subsequent ankylosis. Because of the lack of epidemiological data, there is little information about the true incidence and the management of this rare anomaly. The purpose ofthis presentation is to report the challenges encountered in the airway management of a six-year old female with right temporomandibular joint ankylosis following forceps delivery in a private hospital setting.

La anquilosis de la articulacion temporomandibular tras el uso de forceps siguientes es una rara anomalia. La etiopatogenesis implica la aplicacion indebida de los forceps o el cierre forzoso del mango de los forceps contra el condilo con hemartrosis, organizacion y subsiguiente anquilosis. Debido a lafalta de datos epidemiologicos, hay poca informacion acerca de la verdadera incidencia y el tratamiento de esta rara anomalia. El objetivo de esta presentacion es informar los problemas encontrados en el tratamiento de las vias respiratorias de una niha de seis ahos con anquilosis de la articulacion temporomandibular derecha tras de un parto con forceps en el contexto de un hospital privado.

Surgical audit of 86 patients of tm joint bony ankylosis treated at a tertiary care hospital in Srinagar

The authors present a review of 86 patients with bony ankylosis of Temporomandibular joint treated between Jan 1990 and Dec 2005 at a tertiary care referral hospital in Srinagar. Childhood trauma was the leading cause of ankylosis. For initial 50 patients of the series, acrylic spacer was used as interpositional material, and for the rest of patients, silicone block was used. Follow-up evaluation ranged from 14 months to five years [average 31 months]. Recurrence was observed in 5 patients [all in acrylic group]. There was statistically no significant difference in post operative mouth opening and other complications between the two groups. The aim of the study was to analyze the treatment outcome of the patients with TMJ ankylosis

Anquilose da ATM em crianças: aspectos de interesse cirúrgico / TMJ ankylosis in children: aspects of surgical interest

A anquilose da ATM em crianças gera problemas funcionais, tais como, abertura bucal reduzida, deficiência na fonação, dificuldade de mastigação, higiene bucal pobre, cáries dentais, assimetria facial, distúrbios de crescimento facial e mandibular, maloclusão e comprometimento agudo das vias respiratórias. Essa patologia está mais comumente associada ao trauma, infecções locais ou sistêmicas, doenças sistêmicas, como a espondilite anquilosante, artrite reumatoide, psoríase, fraturas condilares não tratadas ou tratadas de forma inadequada. Várias técnicas têm sido preconizadas para o tratamento da anquilose temporomandibular, e três delas são as mais comumente empregadas: 1) Artroplastia em "gap"; 2) Artroplastia interposicional 3) Excisão e reconstrução da articulação. O manejo da anquilose da ATM continua a ser um tópico de recorrente interesse devido a dificuldades encontradas nas técnicas cirúrgicas empregadas e na alta incidência de recorrência, principalmente quando se trata de pacientes pediátricos. Sabendo-se que a literatura é dinâmica em relatar várias técnicas para o tratamento da anquilose da ATM, este trabalho se propõe a fazer uma revisão acerca do assunto, objetivando discutir os aspectos de interesse cirúrgico no tratamento dessa patologia em crianças.

Temporomandibular joint ankylosis in children causes functional problems such as restricted mouth opening, impairment of speech, difficulty in mastication, poor oral hygiene, rampant caries, facial asymmetry, disturbances in facial and mandibular growth, malocclusion and acute airway involvement. This pathological condition is most commonly associated with trauma, local and systemic infections. Besides, it is also associated with systemic diseases such as ankylosing spondylitis, psoriasis, rheumatoid arthritis, and untreated or improperly treated condylar fractures. Various techniques have been advocated for the treatment of temporomandibular joint ankylosis and three of them are currently employed: 1) Gap arthroplasty; 2) Interpositional arthroplasty; 3) Excision and joint reconstruction. The management of TMJ ankylosis remains a topic continued interest due to difficulties encountered in surgical approaches and the high recurrence of the disease, particularly when it comes to pediatric patients. Bearing in mind that new techniques for the treatment of the TMJ ankylosis are constantly being reported in the literature, this paper set out to review the subject and discuss the aspects of surgical interest in the management of this pathology.

Treatment of temporomandibular joint ankylosis with gap arthroplasty and temporal muscle/fascia graft: a case report with five-year follow-up / Tratamento de anquilose da articulação temporomandibular com artroplastia e enxerto de músculo temporal: Relato de caso com cinco anos de acompanhamento

Purpose: Temporomandibular joint ankylosis (TMA) is a highly distressing condition in which the Temporomandibular Joint (TMJ) is replaced by scar tissue. The most commonly surgical approach used to restore normal joint functioning is a gap arthroplasty associated with the temporal muscle flap (TMF) as interpositional material. This paper aimed to present a modification of the conventional vascularized temporal muscle flap, and describe an alternative procedure using a muscle/fascia temporal graft as interpositional tissue for the gap arthroplasty. Case description: We report a case of TMA treated using a gap arthroplasty and a variation of the TMF technique as interpositional material, performing a temporal muscle/fascia graft. The technique described is associated with adequate bone removal and excellent intraoperative joint mobilization. Physiotherapy was started 2 days after surgery and maintained for 4 months. During the five years of follow-up, no signs of ankylosis recurrence were observed; maximum mouth opening is currently 35 millimeters. Conclusion: The success in preventing reankylosis after TMJ gap arthroplasty is related primarily to the early postoperative physiotherapy, maintained long-term. A free graft harvested from temporal muscle and used as interpositional material is easy to obtain, reliable, and effective. Another advantage is minimal damage to the temporal muscle and low morbidity.

Objetivo: A anquilose da articulação temporomandibular (AATM) é uma condição altamente angustiante aonde a articulação é substituída por tecido cicatricial. A técnica cirúrgica mais comumente usada é a artroplastia associada a um retalho de músculo temporal como um material de interposição entre côndilo/fossa glenóide. Este manuscrito relata um caso de anquilose da articulação temporomandibular tratada pela técnica da artroplastia com uma variação da técnica do retalho do músculo temporal como material interposicional. Descrição do caso: Relatou-se um caso de AATM que foi tratada usando artroplastia com enxerto livre do músculo temporal e fáscia como material interposicional. A técnica descrita está associada a adequada remoção de osso e excelente imobilização articular transoperatória. A fisioterapia foi iniciada 2 dias após a cirurgia e mantida por 4 meses. Durante os 5 anos de controle não houve sinais de recidiva de anquilose; a abertura máxima bucal atualmente é de 35 mm. Conclusão: O sucesso na prevenção da recidiva de anquilose após artroplastia da ATM está primariamente relacionado com fisioterapia pós-operatória precoce, mantida por longo período. Um enxerto livre do músculo temporal usado como material interposicional é fácil de ser obtido, confiável e efetivo. Outra vantagem é dano mínimo ao músculo temporal e baixa morbidade.

Total arthroplasty in ankylosed knees: a case series

OBJECTIVE: To present nine patients with ankylosis in their knees that were submitted to a total arthroplasty to lessen their pain and improve their functional limitation. For these patients, arthrodesis remained a possibility in the event of arthroplasty failure. INTRODUCTION: Ankylosis of the knee is a severe functional limitation that becomes worse when pain is present. Arthrodesis of the knee is a classical indication for such patients, since it resolves the pain; however, the severe functional limitation remains. METHODS: In the present study, we evaluated the clinical course of nine patients who underwent total arthroplasty of the knee, and were followed up for at least five years. RESULTS: The results demonstrate that all of the patients experienced a significant reduction in pain and some improvement in the degree of knee flexion and extension. CONCLUSION: Based on the latest follow-up, there has been no need to perform arthrodesis for any of our patients, showing that a total arthroplasty could be a option for treatment in knee ankylosis.

Anquilose da articulação têmporo-mandibular / Temporo mandibular joint ankylosis

A anquilose pode ser definida como sendo a fusão das superfícies articulares e seu tratamento é um verdadeiro desafio devido à alta taxa de recorrência. OBJETIVO: Descrever seis casos clínicos tratados pela técnica da reconstrução articular, avaliar os resultados dessas cirurgias e fazer uma revisão da literatura. METODOLOGIA: A população estudada neste estudo retrospectivo foi obtida dos prontuários do hospital universitário e tinha que ter sido submetida a cirurgia para tratamento de anquilose por reconstrução aloplástica ou autógena entre os períodos de março de 2001 e outubro de 2005. Dados como a máxima abertura de boca (MAB), etiologia, tipo de anquilose e tratamento, e ocorrência de recidiva e lesão do nervo facial foram coletados no pré-operatório, através dos prontuários, e no pós-operatório, através de entrevista. RESULTADOS: A média da MAB no pré-operatório foi de 9,6mm (0 a 17mm) e no pós-operatório foi de 31,33mm (14mm a 41mm), não houve lesão do nervo facial e apenas em um caso houve recidiva da anquilose. CONCLUSÃO: A reconstrução da articulação com material autógeno ou alógeno, para o tratamento da anquilose da ATM se mostrou eficaz em relação à MAB pós-operatória, recidiva e função da articulação.

Ankylosis may be defined as joint surfaces fusion. The treatment of temporomandibular joint ankylosis poses a significant challenge because of the high recurrence rate. AIM: The aim of this study is to report six cases treated by joint reconstruction, evaluate the results of these surgeries and review the literature. METHODS: The sample in this retrospective study was obtained from the records of the university hospital, patients who had to undergo ankylosis treatment by alloplastic or autogenous graft between March 2001 and October 2005. Pre - and post-operative assessment included a throughout history and physical examination to determine the cause of ankylosis, the Maximum mouth opening (MMO), etiology and type of ankylosis, recurrence rate and presence of facial nerve paralysis. RESULTS: The mean MMO in the pre-operative period was 9.6 mm (0 mm to 17 mm) and in the post-operative period it was of 31.33 mm (14 mm to 41 mm), there was no facial nerve paralysis and there was recurrence in just one case. CONCLUSION: The joint reconstruction with alloplastic or autogenous grafts for the ankylosis treatment proved to be efficient in relation to the post-operative MMO, recurrence and joint function.

Temporomandibular joint reconstruction using costochondral graft.

Reconstruction of the temporomandibular joint (TMJ) after release of ankylosis by condylectomy is a challenging problem in maxillo-facial surgery. A successful reconstruction implies correct restoration of form and, in children, future symmetrical growth. Bilateral bony ankylosis of the temporomandibular joint in a female patient was diagnosed in the Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery Department of Bangabandhu Sheik Mujib Medical University (BSMMU) at the time when she had severe facial deformity with typical bird face appearance. The condition was treated with costochondral graft following a bilateral condylectomy. At the time of treatment, there was an expectation that further orthognathic surgery or bone grafting would be required to correct the skeletal deformity. However, with the release of the ankylosis and growth of the costochondral graft, a good functional and esthetic result can be achieved without further surgery. It is important that dentists be aware of the clinical signs and symptoms of TMJ ankylosis, to allow early diagnosis and treatment.

Anquilosis de la articulación temporomandibular: nuestra experiencia / Temporomandibular joint ankylosis: our experience

El objetivo de este trabajo es exponer los resultados del tratamiento quirúrgico de la anquilosis temporomandibular con la técnica quirúrgica empleada en el servicio de cirugía Máxilo facial del Hospital provincial universitario " Carlos Manuel de céspedes"de Bayamo. Durante el periodo1885-2004 se estudiaron 4 casos, de los cuales tres eran adultos y uno pediátrico, se precisaron sexo, lado o lados afectados, edad del paciente a la primera consulta así como la edad en que se opero. La técnica quirúrgica empleada (condílectomia y tracción cráneo mandibular) fue igual para todos los casos. En todos los pacientes hubo antecedentes de traumatismo. Los resultados de la intervención quirúrgica en nuestra serie con él protocolo de tratamiento fue inmediato, en todos la apertura bucal fue sastifactoria, manteniendo una apertura interincisal promedio de 40.2 mm. Es de gran importancia para prevenir recidiva, continuar los ejercicios indefinidamente aunque sea una vez al día.

The objective: of this paper is to set out the results of the surgical treatment of the temporomandibular joint with the surgical technique used in the department of the Maxillo facial surgery Of Carlos Manuel de Céspedes teaching hospital. From1985 to 2004 four cases were studied, three adults and a child, sex, affected side(s), patient,s age to the first consult, as well as the age when operated, were determined. The surgical procedure used in all cases was the same (condilectomy and elastic craniomandibular traction) .All patients had antecedents of traumatism. The results of the surgery according to the treatment were immediate. The oral opening was satisfactory, with an interincisal opening of about 40.2 mm. It is very important for preventing a relapse to get the physiotherapy at last once a day.

Management of postburn stiff elbow

The activities of daily living using the elbow joint are possible with a functional arc of 100 degrees . Loss of motion of the elbow joint sufficient to produce moderate to severe functional impairment in activity of daily living or occupational and recreational activities is common after various elbow insults. Following burns it is not uncommon to have stiffness of the elbow due to heterotopic bone formation and ankylosis. To evaluate the efficacy of using surgical techniques, continuous passive motion [CPM] and intermittent passive and active assisted exercises in increasing the range of motion of the elbow joint after postburn stiffness. Between April 2001 and January 2005 twelve elbows of postburn stiff elbow in ten patients were surgically treated in Assuit burn center with an average age of thirty-two years; female to male ratio [9 to 1]; two cases were bilateral; humero-ulnar bony ankylosis was found in eight elbows while the other four elbows had a preserved minimal range of motion. Excisional arthroplasty was done in eight elbows while soft tissue procedures were done in the other four elbows . CPM and different types of exercises were used to regain the range of motion. All patients were evaluated with an average follow up of 22 months, with revision surgery done in two cases. The average range of gained flexion was 70 degrees [ranged 35-110 degrees]. All patients were satisfied with the gained functioning painless range of flexion at the end of the follow up. The use of surgical procedures in combination with [CPM] and intermittent passive and active assisted exercises has been found to be an effective procedure to regain functioning painless range of flexion after postburn stiffness of the elbow

Mandibular growth and mouth opening after two different surgeries in TMJ ankylosis: a one-decade assessment

The long-term outcome and clinical results of gaparthro plasty used for the treatment of condylar ankylosis of the mandible in children with application of postoperative activator appliances and costochondral rib graft are evaluated and compared. A nonrandomized, retrospective clinical study of 10 cases of condylar ankylosis [18 Joints] of the mandible surgically treated during a 12 year period from 1990 to 2002 was performed. Four patients were treated by condylectomy and interpositional Flap and Six patients were treated by condylectomy and immediate costachondral rib grafts. The First group underwent long-term postoperative therapy using removable activator appliances. Casts, radiagraphs, photographs, computed tomography [CT] Scans, were Used post surgically to evaluate rib graft, condylar growth and function, occlusion, and Facial and condylar symmetry. Symmetry, arch coordination, correction of occlusal canting, mandibular deviation, facial growth and prevention of reankylosis were obtained and better controlled in those cases that underwent long-tern or thodontic activator therapy post operatively and were followed closely. Children with long-standing condylar ankylosis of the mandible and its resultant facial asymmetry and occlusal canting [Secondry to a non functional jaint and Maxillary compensation] treated with condylectomy and interpositional flap treated more favorably when activators were used postsurgically. The patients that failed to comply with or continue activator therapy postsurgically developed complications relating to mandibular deviation, occlusal dysharmony, asymmetry and rankylosis of the temporo mandibular joint [TMJ]