Role of buccal fat pad to reduce the chances of re-ankylosis-A systematic review of literature.

The role of buccal fat pad (BFP) as interpositional material in the temporomandibular joint ankylosis (TMJA) have been well documented. The purpose of the present systematic review is to reinforce the role of buccal fat pad as interpositional material in preventing re-ankylosis. A systematic search was conducted in PubMed, Google Scholar, Semantic scholar and Cochrane library database from 1980 to 2022 following the PRISMA guidelines. The studies using BFP as interpositional material in TMJA with more than 10 patients with atleast a follow-up of 6-months were included. All the human studies {prospective, retrospective, case reports/series (with more than 10 subjects), randomized or non-randomized trial) reporting the outcome of BFP as interpositional material were included. The present systematic review included 11 studies (prospective=7, Retrospective=3 and ambispective=1) using BFP as interpositional material. The total number of patients were 205. The number of unilateral TMJA and bilateral TMJA were 153 and 52 respectively, making a number of joint to 257. The distribution of gender was almost equal (few studies did not report the gender distribution). The minimum follow-up was 6-months and extended up to 5.3 years. Out of 205 patients, no re-ankylosis was reported in patients. The authors concluded that the BFP is nearly ideal and a preferred interpositional material to prevent re-ankylosis in temporomandibular joint ankylosis. Its vicinity to TMJ, ease of harvesting through the same surgical site and avoiding other scar makes it a preferred interpositional material in TMJA cases.

Complications of Mandibular Fracture Repair.

Mandible fracture management has evolved dramatically. Therefore, the variety of surgical complications associated with mandibular fractures, and their incidences, have continued to change as well. This article aims to assess the most common and most concerning complications that can occur secondary to management of mandibular fractures by examining categories of complication types. This article also explores factors and techniques associated with reduced rates of complications as well as the management of complications.

Long term complications of costochondral graft reconstruction in temporomandibular joint ankylosis of the young- a systematic review.

Costochondral graft has been a popular reconstruction choice in the past for temporomandibular joint ankylosis in young individuals. However, accounts of growth hampering complications have also been observed. Our systematic review aims to compile all existing evidence to determine the occurrence of these unfavourable clinical outcomes as well as factors affecting them to provide a better judgement on further use of these grafts. A systematic review was conducted following PRISMA guidelines where databases like PubMed, Web of science and Google Scholar were searched for the purpose of data extraction. Observational studies performed on patients younger than 18 years of age with a minimum follow-up of one year were selected. Incidence of long term complications like reankylosis, abnormal graft growth, facial asymmetry and others were considered as outcome variables. Eight articles with a total of 95 patients were selected where complications like reankylosis (6.32%), graft overgrowth (13.70%), insufficient graft growth (22.11%), no graft growth (3.20%) and facial asymmetry (20%) were reported. Other complications like mandibular deviation (3.20%), retrognathia (1.05%) and prognathic mandible (3.20%) were also observed. Our review concludes that the occurrence of these complications was noteworthy. Thus use of costochondral graft for reconstruction in temporomandibular ankylosis in young patients holds significant risk in development of growth abnormalities. However, modifications in surgical procedure such as use of appropriate graft cartilage thickness and the presence and type of interpositional material can favourably affect the frequency and type of growth abnormality.

Spontaneous ankylosis of the sacroiliac joint: prevalence and risk factors.

PURPOSE: Evidence on spontaneous sacroiliac joint (SIJ) ankylosis is lacking. The aim of this analysis was to assess the prevalence of spontaneous SIJ ankylosis and examined different ankylosis patterns and risk factors for spontaneous SIJ ankylosis. METHODS: Pelvic computed tomography (CT) data of 102 consecutive patients with spinal pathologies were compared to CT of a control group consisting of 102 consecutive patients without spinal pathologies. SIJ ankylosis patterns and risk factors for SIJ ankylosis, such as age, sex, and previous spinal fusion surgery were examined. RESULTS: Overall, 117 men and 86 women were examined between 2019 and 2020. Non-spinal patients were significantly older (mean age 70.5 years, standard deviation [SD] 11.4) than those in the spinal group (mean age 65.3 years, SD 14.3; p = 0.005). The prevalence of SIJ ankylosis was 24.5% in the non-spinal group and 23.5% in the spinal group. The anterior ankylosis type prevalence was 91.7% in the spinal group, compared to 48.0% in the non-spinal group. Factors associated with SIJ ankylosis were older age (odds ratio [OR] 1.04, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.01-1.07, p = 0.004) and male sex (OR 5.14, 95% CI 2.29-11.55, p < 0.001). CONCLUSION: Spontaneous ankylosis of the SIJ was a frequent phenomenon in patients with and without spinal pathologies and more likely with older age and male sex. Anterior type SIJ ankylosis was substantially more frequent in patients with spinal pathologies. This may be due to strain exerted on the anterior SIJ aspects in patients with compromised posture due to spine degeneration.

Factores asociados con rigidez de las articulaciones del hombro y la cadera en adultos mayores / Factors associated with stiffness of the shoulder and hips joints in the elderly

Introducción: mantener el nivel adecuado de flexibilidad en la edad adulta es importante para realizar las actividades básicas de la vida diaria; sin embargo, esta puede verse afectada negativamente por distintos factores, como el sedentarismo, la artrosis, la diabetes y el estado emocional. Objetivo: analizar la prevalencia de la rigidez en las articulaciones del hombro y coxofemoral, con factores asociados en los adultos mayores de la ciudad de Cuenca, Ecuador. Metodología: estudio analítico transversal con una muestra de 160 adultos mayores de las residencias geriátricas de la ciudad de Cuenca, Ecuador. La información se recolectó aplicando dos tests que valoran la flexibilidad, incluidos en la batería Senior fitness test (SFT): el Back scratch (TBS) y el test Chair sit and reach (TCSAR), para valorar el grado de rigidez de las articulaciones del hombro y coxofemoral. El nivel de actividad física se evaluó utilizando el test Rapid Assessment of Physical Activity (RAPA), y se utilizaron el test Yesavege para valorar el grado de depresión y la historia clínica de cada paciente, para conocer antecedentes de diabetes mellitus o artrosis. Se analizaron los datos con el programa SPSS versión 20.0®, por medio de medidas de frecuencia, dispersión, análisis bivariado (OR, IC, valor P). Resultados: se evidenció la inactividad física como factor de riesgo importante para padecer rigidez de articulación del hombro p=0,023, articulación coxofemoral p<0,001; además, la artrosis como factor de riesgo para rigidez en miembros superiores. La pre-valencia de rigidez articular fue de 40,6% en miembros inferiores y el 70,6%en los miembros superiores. Conclusión: los hallazgos de esta investigación corroboran que la inactividad física pue-de llevar a la pérdida progresiva de la flexibilidad en adultos mayores, con disminución en el rango de movimiento articular y limitación funcional. (AU)

Introduction: maintaining the appropriate level of flexibility in adulthood is important to carry out the basic activities of daily life; however, this can be negatively affected by different factors, such as a sedentary lifestyle, osteoarthritis, diabetes and emotional state. Objective: to analyze the prevalence of stiffness in the shoulder and coxofemoral joints, with associated factors in older adults in the city of Cuenca, Ecuador. Methodology: cross-sectional analytical study with a sample of 160 older adults from nursing homes in the city of Cuenca. The information was collected by applying two tests that assess flexibility, included in the senior fitness test (SFT) battery: the back scratch (TBS) and the chair sit and reach test (TCSAR), to assess the degree of stiffness of the knee joint. shoulder and coxofemoral. The level of physical activity was evaluated using the Rapid Assessment of Physical Activity (RAPA) test, the Yesavege test was used to assess the degree of depression and the clinical history of each patient to determine a history of diabetes mellitus or osteoarthritis. The data were analyzed with the SPSS version 20.0 program, through measures of frequency, dispersion, and bivariate analysis (OR, CI, P value). Results: physical inactivity was evidenced as an important risk factor for shoulder joint stiffness p=0.023, coxofemoral joint p=<0.001; in addition, osteoarthritis as a risk factor for stiffness in the upper limbs. The prevalence of joint stiffness was 40.6% in the lower limbs and 70.6% in the upper limbs. Conclusion: the findings of this research corroborate that physical inactivity can lead to progressive loss of flexibility in older adults, with decreased range of joint movement and functional limitation. (AU)

Multicenter Study of Congenital Middle Ear Anomalies. Report on 246 Ears.

OBJECTIVES/HYPOTHESIS: Congenital middle ear anomalies represent a relatively rare condition. This study aimed to describe the characteristics and the surgical outcomes for patients with middle ear anomalies. METHODS: A multicenter study was conducted of consecutive patients with congenital middle ear anomalies who underwent primary surgical treatment between January 2008 and December 2017. Demographics, surgical procedures, and audiometric data were registered into the institutional database. Hearing changes and postoperative air-bone gap (ABG) were evaluated 1 year after surgery. RESULTS: A total of 246 patients (246 ears) (median age: 14 years, range: 4-75 years old) were included in this study. Anomalies were subdivided using the Teunissen and Cremers classification: 53 ears (22%) were categorized as class I, comprising only stapes ankylosis; 35 ears (14%) as class II, having ossicular chain anomalies with stapes ankylosis; 139 ears (57%) as class III, having ossicular chain anomalies with a mobile stapes-footplate; and 19 ears (8%) as class IV, with aplasia of the oval window. Evaluation of hearing outcomes for 198 ears with more than 1 year of follow-up revealed that good postoperative ABG (≤20 dB) was achieved in 82% of class I, 68% of class II, 74% of class III, and 23% of class IV anomalies. The postoperative ABG in class IV was significantly worse than in class I (P < .001) or class III (P < .01). CONCLUSIONS: This study demonstrated that class III anomalies comprised the majority of middle ear anomalies and surgical outcomes for class IV anomalies are unfavorable. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: 4 Laryngoscope, 131:E2323-E2328, 2021.

Multiple synostoses syndrome: Clinical report and retrospective analysis.

Multiple synostoses syndrome (SYNS1; OMIM# 186500) is a rare autosomal dominant disorder reported in a few cases worldwide. We report a Chinese pedigree characterized by proximal symphalangism, conductive hearing loss, and distinctive facies. We examined the genetic cause and reviewed the literature to discuss the pathogeny, treatment, and prevention of SYNS1. Audiological, ophthalmological, and radiological examinations were evaluated. Whole-exome sequencing (WES) was performed to identify mutations in the proband and her parents. Sanger sequencing was used to verify the results for the proband, parents, and grandmother. The literature on the genotype-phenotype correlation was reviewed. The patient was diagnosed with multiple synostoses syndrome clinically. WES and bioinformatic analysis revealed a novel missense mutation in the NOG gene, c.554C>G (p.Ser185Cys), cosegregated in this family. The literature review showed that the phenotype varies widely, but the typical facies, conductive hearing loss, and proximal symphalangism occurred frequently. All reported mutations are highly conserved in mammals based on conservation analysis, and there are regional hot spots for these mutations. However, no distinct genotype-phenotype correlations have been identified for mutations in NOG in different races. Regular systematic examinations and hearing aids are beneficial for this syndrome. However, the outcomes of otomicrosurgery are not encouraging owing to the regrowth of bone. This study expanded the mutation spectrum of NOG and is the first report of SYNS1 in a Chinese family. Genetic testing is recommended as part of the diagnosis of syndromic deafness. A clinical genetic evaluation is essential to guide prevention, such as preimplantation genetic diagnosis.

Anquilosis de la articulación temporomandibular / Ankylosis of the temporomandibular joint

Introducción: resulta de interés para médicos y especialistas el conocimiento sobre la incapacidad de la apertura de la cavidad oral debido a coaliciones entre los elementos óseos y fibrosos en la región glenoidea. Objetivo: revisar la literatura sobre las características de esta patología. Desarrollo: en el primer trimestre del año 2006, a fin de realizar una revisión bibliográfica no exhaustiva para localizar la información disponible sobre la anquilosis de la articulación temporomandibular, se realizó una búsqueda bibliográfica en Scielo, Medline, Isi Web of Knowlegde y Dialnet, buscando como palabras clave: anquilosis (ankylosis) y articulación temporomandibular (temporomandibular joint). Además de la búsqueda computarizada se realizó una búsqueda manual entre las referencias de los estudios seleccionados. Conclusiones: la anquilosis temporomandibular resulta una entidad clínica compleja, usualmente molesta para los pacientes dada la imposibilidad de alimentarse y nutrirse adecuadamente, además de las deformidades que desde el punto de vista estético afecta la esfera psicológica de las personas aquejadas. Su tratamiento es difícil, no obstante, una atención adecuada minimiza las consecuencias de las complicaciones que pueden aparecer como resultado de la técnica quirúrgica u otros factores no relacionados con ella. Se reconoce que una identificación y tratamiento oportuno del problema puede favorecer los buenos resultados de la conducta médica y la rápida integración del paciente a la sociedad(AU)

Introduction: it is of interest for physicians and specialist's knowledge about the inability of the opening of the oral cavity due to coalitions between the bone and fibrous elements in the glenoid region. Objective: to review the literature on the characteristics of this pathology. Development: in the first quarter of 2006, in order to perform a non-exhaustive literature review to locate the available information on ankylosis of the temporomandibular joint, a literature search was carried out in Scielo, Medline, Isi Web of Knowlegde and Dialnet, searching as key words: ankylosis (ankylosis) and temporomandibular joint (temporomandibular joint). In addition to the computerized search, a manual search was made among the references of the selected studies. Conclusions: the temporomandibular ankylosis is a complex clinical entity, usually annoying for patients given the impossibility of feeding and nourishing adequately, in addition to the deformities that from the aesthetic point of view affects the psychological sphere of the people afflicted. Its treatment is difficult, nevertheless, an adequate attention minimizes the consequences of the complications that can appear as a result of the surgical technique or other factors not related to it. It is recognized that an identification and timely treatment of the problem can favor the good results of medical behavior and the rapid integration of the patient into society(AU)

Manipulation under anesthesia after primary knee arthroplasty in Sweden: incidence, patient characteristics and risk of revision.

Background and purpose - The incidence of manipulation under anesthesia (MUA) after knee arthroplasty surgery has been reported to vary between 0.5% and 10%. We evaluated the incidence of MUA after primary knee arthroplasty in Sweden, the demographics of the patients and the risk of revision. Patients and methods - Between 2009 and 2013, 64,840 primary total and unicompartmental knee arthroplasties (TKA and UKA) were registered in the Swedish Knee Arthroplasty Register (SKAR). MUAs performed between 2009 and 2014 were identified through the in- and outpatient registers of the Swedish National Board of Health and Welfare. Pertinent data were verified through medical records and patient demographics and revisions were obtained from the SKAR. Results - 1,258 MUAs were identified. Of these, 1,078 were 1st-time MUAs, performed within 1 year after the primary knee arthroplasty. The incidence of MUA was 1.7% and the incidence varied between hospitals from 0% to 5%. The majority were performed after TKA (98%), in younger patients (65% < 65 years), women (64%), and relatively healthy persons (88% had ASA ≤ 2). The cumulative risk of revision at 10 years was 10% (95% CI 8.6-12), similar for men and women. Interpretation - In Sweden, MUA is a rather uncommon measure after knee arthroplasty, especially after UKA. The CRR at 10 years was doubled compared to the general knee arthroplasty population. The frequency of the procedure varies between hospitals but in general it is performed more frequently in healthier and younger patients.

The First Record of Incidences of Ankylosis in Seven Triplefin Fishes (Pisces: Tripterygiidae) from New Zealand.

Different cases of vertebral ankylosis were examined in seven tripterygiid species obtained from waters around New Zealand. The skeletal deformities observed are located in the caudal region of the vertebral column. Those occurred in Forsterygion nigripenne, Matanui bathytaton and in one specimen of Ruanoho whero were severe cases. The mechanism of the formation of vertebral ankylosis and the causes behind such anomaly were discussed. Further studies are needed to relate specific pollutants with the observed types of deformities. Anat Rec, 2017. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Anat Rec, 301:39-45, 2018. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

[Temporo-mandibular ankylosis]. / L'ankylose temporo-mandibulaire.

Ankylosis of the temporomandibular joint is defined as a permanent constriction of the jaws with less than 30mm mouth opening measured between the incisors, occurring because of bony, fibrous or fibro-osseous fusion. Resulting complications such as speech, chewing, swallowing impediment and deficient oral hygiene may occur. The overall incidence is decreasing but remains significant in some developing countries. The most frequent etiology in developed countries is the post-traumatic ankylosis occurring after condylar fracture. Other causes may be found: infection (decreasing since the advent of antibiotics), inflammation (rheumatoid arthritis and ankylosing spondylitis mainly) and congenital diseases (very rare). Management relies on surgery: resection of the ankylosis block in combination with bilateral coronoidectomy… The block resection may be offset by the interposition temporal fascia flap, a costochondral graft or a TMJ prosthesis according to the loss of height and to the impact on dental occlusion. Postoperative rehabilitation is essential and has to be started early, to be intense and prolonged. Poor rehabilitation is the main cause of ankylosis recurrence.

[Child care management in maxillofacial humanitarian mission]. / Prise en charge de l'enfant en mission humanitaire maxillofaciale.

Our practice in a humanitarian (or crisis) context differs from what we experience in daily practice. There are several reasons for this. First, the diseases encountered are sometimes unfamiliar, such as sequelae of noma, or the presentation of familiar diseases may be unusual, such as facial malformations seen at a late stage. Secondly, these missions take place in developing countries, and consequently, evaluation and anticipation of possible malnutrition should be considered, especially because facial diseases themselves may be responsible for nutritional problems. Lastly, conditions are often difficult, occurring in an unusual environment, and we sometimes have to face communication and equipment problems. The goal of our work, based on a 15-year experience (in Bamako and Mopti with the Association "Santé et Développement", and in Ouagadougou with the organization "Les enfants du noma") and the analysis of literature, is to point out these features and maybe to be helpful to others.

Temporomandibular joint ankylosis caused by condylar fractures: a retrospective analysis of cases at an urban teaching hospital in Nigeria.

Mandibular condylar fractures are common presentations to hospitals across the globe and remain the most important cause of temporomandibular joint (TMJ) ankylosis. This study aimed to analyze cases of mandibular condylar fracture complicated by TMJ ankylosis after treatment. A 16-year retrospective analysis was performed at the dental and maxillofacial surgery clinic of the study institution; patient data were collected from the hospital records and entered into a pro-forma questionnaire. It was found that 56/3596 (1.6%) fractures resulted in TMJ ankylosis. The age of patients with ankylosis ranged from 12 to 47 years. The age (P=0.03) and gender (P=0.01) distributions were significant, with most cases of ankylosis occurring in those aged 11-30 years (n=43/56, 76.8%). Fractures complicated by ankylosis were intracapsular (n=22/56, 39.3%) and extracapsular (n=34/56, 60.7%). Ankylosis increased significantly with the increase in time lag between injury and fracture treatment (P=0.001). Ankylosis was associated with concomitant mandibular (85.7%) and middle third (66.1%) fractures. Treatment methods were not significantly related to ankylosis (P=0.32). All cases of ankylosis were unilateral, and complete (n=36, 64.3%) and incomplete ankylosis (n=20, 35.7%) were diagnosed clinically. The incorporation of computed tomography scans and rigid internal fixation in the management of condylar fractures will reduce ankylosis.

Increased incidence of postoperative stiffness after arthroscopic compared with open biceps tenodesis.

PURPOSE: To determine the incidence of postoperative stiffness after open and arthroscopic biceps tenodesis, compare the incidence between each method, and determine relevant risk factors for its occurrence. METHODS: A consecutive series of patients who underwent biceps tenodesis during a 3-year period were retrospectively reviewed. RESULTS: We evaluated 249 patients, which included 143 who underwent open subpectoral tenodesis and 106 who underwent arthroscopic suprapectoral tenodesis. The mean overall follow-up period for the arthroscopic group was 9.9 months (range, 5.1 to 33.5 months). The mean overall follow-up period for the open group was 9.5 months (range, 4.7 to 49.2 months). There was no significant difference in overall follow-up duration between groups (P = .627). A significantly increased incidence of postoperative stiffness was found in the arthroscopic group compared with the open group (17.9% v 5.6%, P = .002). Within the arthroscopic group, patients with postoperative stiffness were more frequently female patients than those without stiffness (63.2% v 33.3%, P = .016) and were more likely to be smokers than those without stiffness (36.8% v 16.1%, P = .040). The tenodesis site was located significantly more proximal in the arthroscopic group of patients with postoperative stiffness compared with patients without postoperative stiffness (32.44 ± 7.8 mm from the top of the humeral head v 50.34 ± 7.8 mm, P < .0001). CONCLUSIONS: Our results show a notably increased incidence of postoperative stiffness after arthroscopic suprapectoral biceps tenodesis compared with open subpectoral biceps tenodesis. This appears to occur more commonly in female patients and smokers and may have a relation to the position of the tenodesis, with a more superiorly placed tenodesis site being a potential influencing factor. On the basis of this series, this complication most commonly will improve over time and with symptom-based management. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level III, therapeutic case-control study.

Undiagnosed mandibular condylar fractures causing temporomandibular joint ankylosis: A problem in northern India.

BACKGROUND: Temporomandibular joint (TMJ) ankylosis due to undiagnosed condylar fractures has a high incidence in India compared to western countries. We evaluated the demographics, injury pattern, hospital reporting and referral pattern of undiagnosed condylar fractures complicating TMJ ankylosis in northern India. METHODS: We did a retrospective analysis by retrieving medical records of patients with post-traumatic TMJ ankylosis reporting to the Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, All India Institute of Medical Sciences between 1 July 2012 and 30 June 2013. RESULTS: Of 90 patients with post-traumatic TMJ ankylosis, 74 (82.2%) resided in rural areas. Sixty-three (70%) patients were from the states of Uttar Pradesh, Bihar and Jharkhand. Only 8.8% had higher education and 10% had an annual income of more than `2 lakh. In 69 (84.4%) patients, fall was the aetiological factor. Primary health centres (42%) and private clinics (20.5%) received the major share of patients immediately following injury. Few patients (19.3%) had some radiographic examination done and only 17% were referred by the primary healthcare provider. Of those referred only 3 were examined by a dental practitioner. Only 10% of all were diagnosed with condylar fractures. CONCLUSION: Patients with TMJ ankylosis presenting to us have poor literacy and income levels. A missed diagnosis of condylar fractures by rural healthcare providers contributes to its high incidence in India. Improving awareness of clinicians and improved rural healthcare infrastructure can help prevent this complication.

Temporomandibular joint ankylosis: is hypercoagulable state of blood a predisposing factor?

Temporomandibular joint (TMJ) ankylosis is a significant problem in Asian countries and the most common etiology is trauma to the mandibular condyle. Other less common etiologies are infection, forceps delivery trauma and rheumatoid arthritis. Many hypotheses are given to explain the pathogenesis. All the proposed hypotheses revolve around trauma to the joint and subsequent healing causing ankylosis. This is however true for only few patients, most of the others do not progress to ankylosis after trauma to TMJ irrespective of seeking treatment or not. In this paper, we try to answer the question that why only a minor subset of condylar injuries progress to ankylosis and why others do not? The hypothesis follows a report of 4 cases that had bilateral TMJ ankylosis with extrahepatic portal venous obstruction (EHPVO) secondary to protein C deficiency. It is postulated that hypercoagulability/reduced fibrinolytic activity in these as well as non-EHPVO patients with TMJ ankylosis cases may have predisposed them to the development of joint ankylosis. The possible mechanism is explained and correlated with other causes of TMJ ankylosis and known facts of protein C deficiency/activated protein C resistance.

Unusual appearances following intracapsular neck of femur fractures.

PURPOSE: The aim of the study was to investigate the possible outcomes of intracapsular femoral neck fractures managed non-operatively or with a simple form of internal fixation. METHODS: We reviewed 30 fractures and their post mortem reports from the Galler collection, a modern pathology reference series. RESULTS: Our investigation revealed unusual appearances of the hip following femoral neck fractures that are not usually seen in modern orthopaedic practice, including previously undescribed acetabularisation of the femur and ankyloses of ununited femoral heads. CONCLUSION: Appreciation of these appearances and an understanding of how these fractures may progress are important in the current diagnosis and management of delayed presentations, neglected or inadequately fixed subcapital fractures of the femoral neck.

Bifid mandibular condyle with tempromandibular joint ankylosis - a pooled data analysis.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Bifid mandibular condyle (BMC) with associated temporomandibular joint ankylosis (TMJA) is extremely rare with only sixteen cases reported worldwide. This article presents the largest case series with 12 patients of BMC with TMJA with treatment results in an attempt to elucidate the morphological pattern in this rare condition. MATERIALS AND METHOD: Retrospective examination of Computed Tomograms (CT) over a period of 9 years revealed that 12 cases had BMC with TMJA. Demographical, Clinical, CT features and treatment results of these were analyzed. Patients were grouped according to sides of involvement and orientation of condyles. Data of 12 Indian cases were noted and pooled from existing literature from India and analysis performed using statistical software. Descriptive statistics and one way anova were used to find association. RESULTS: The male: female ratio was 1:1. Twenty three cases were post-traumatic and one postinfectious. The etiology was sustained in childhood in all patients. The mean presenting age was 16.92 +/- 11.05 years. Of all the cases 66.7% presented with ipsilateral chin deviation. The mean mouth opening was 3.89 +/- 5.4 mm. Bilateral BMC was observed in 29% of cases and 87.5% of all cases had mesiolateral orientation. In general, ankylosed heads were mushroom shaped compared with non-ankylosed heads. The result of 1 year postoperative mouth opening was compared with treatment modalities used in this center. CONCLUSIONS: This series attempts to elucidate patterns of ankylosis and CT morphology in BMC with associated TMJA. Also included are treatment results of BMC with TMJA. This case series is the largest presented and includes youngest case of TMJA with BMC reported so far in English literature.

Development of stiff shoulder in asymptomatic volunteers during ten-year follow-up in Japan.

OBJECTIVES: The purpose of this study was to longitudinally evaluate relationships between the incidence of stiff shoulder and sagittal alignments of the cervical spine, age-related changes on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and life styles of the subjects. METHODS: The subjects were 69 men and 93 women. The mean follow-up period was 11.3 +/- 0.7 years. Sagittal alignments of the cervical spine were classified into the following 4 types: lordosis, straight, kyphosis and sigmoid. MRI findings were evaluated for the progression of 1) decrease in signal intensity of disc, 2) posterior disc protrusion, and 3) disc space narrowing. RESULTS: Stiff shoulder was found in 29.6% of the subjects over the 10 years. In the group of subjects 30-49 years old, the incidence of stiff shoulder was 40.4%, and it was higher than those in other age groups. Stiff shoulder was significantly more frequent in women (45.2%) than in men. Its incidence was significantly lower in those who regularly participated in sports or exercise. There were no significant relationship between the incidence of stiff shoulder and the progressions in any of MRI findings during the follow-up period. CONCLUSIONS: Stiff shoulder was more frequent in middle-aged, female and non-exercising subjects. There was no correlation between the incidence of stiff shoulder and sagittal alignments of the cervical spine, or progression of age-related changes of the cervical disc on MRI.

The characteristics of bony ankylosis of the facet joint of the upper cervical spine in rheumatoid arthritis patients.

This study investigated the bony ankylosis of the upper cervical spine facet joints in patients with a cervical spine involvement due to rheumatoid arthritis (RA) using computed tomography (CT) and then examined the characteristics of the patients showing such ankylosis. Forty-six consecutive patients who underwent surgical treatment for RA involving the cervical spine were reviewed. The radiographic diagnoses included atlanto-axial subluxation in 30 cases, vertical subluxation (VS) in 10 cases, VS + subaxial subluxation in 3 cases and cervical spondylotic myelopathy in 3 cases. The patients were classified into two groups, those developing bony ankylosis or not and then the differences in the patient characteristics between the two groups was investigated. Furthermore, cervical spine disorders and surgeries were also evaluated in patients who demonstrated such bony ankylosis. The CT reconstruction image demonstrated bony ankylosis in 12 patients (group BA), and the remaining 34 cases (group NB) showed no bony ankylosis. The level at which bony ankylosis occurred was atlanto-occipital joint (AOJ) in eight cases, atlanto-axial joint (AAJ) in two cases and AOJ, AAJ in two cases. No differences were observed between the two groups (age P > 0.54, gender P > 0.39, duration of RA P > 0.72). There was a significant difference between two groups in the patients showing obvious neurological impairment (P = 0.017). In BA group, arthrodesis or decompression was adapted for a caudal region of bony ankylosis. In conclusion, bony ankylosis of the facet joint of the upper cervical spine was detected in 12 of 46 RA patients with involvement of the cervical spine who thus required surgery. These findings showed that the patients demonstrating such ankylosis showed severe cervical myelopathy. In addition, we suggest that the occurrence of bony ankylosis was a risk factor for instability of AAJ, and subaxial instability or stenosis.