comparative study of gap and interpositional arthroplasty with temporalis myofacial flap for TMJ ankylosis treatment

The objects of this study were to evaluate the effectiveness of gap and interpositional arthroplasty with temporalis myofascial flap in the treatment of the temporomandibular joint [TMJ] ankylosis. This descriptive case series study consisted of twenty five patients. It was carried out at Oral and Maxillofacial Surgical Department, Liaquat University of Medical and Health Sciences, Jamshoro, Sindh from January 2010 to December 2012. Orthopantomogram [OPG] and 3-D Scan was the standard radiograph and was taken in every case. Nineteen had unilateral and six bilateral TMJ ankylosis. Most patients were in 2nd decade of life age group [16]; followed by 3rd decade [05] and 1st decade of life [04]. 18 were female and 7 were male; Major etiological factor was fall [21] followed by forceps delivery [03] and ear infection [01]. Inter-incisal distance [IID]/mouth opening were noted preoperatively, immediately after completion of operation that was 35mm and postoperatively at follow-up. The incidence of TMJ ankylosis varies from country to country and closely related to the social and financial issues of the patients. TMJ ankylosis is challenging problem for the patient, as for the surgeon. Over the years many modifications were made in TMJ surgery for better results and Gap arthoplasty with temporalis myofascial flap as the interpositional graft is one of common treatment modality which is done at our center