Temporomandibular joint ankylosis fixation technique with ultra thin silicon sheet

Silicon Interpositional Arthroplasty for Temporo-mandibular Joint Ankylosis

Temporo-mandibular joint (TMJ) ankylosis is characterized by a decreased mouth opening which affects mastication, speech, and facial aesthetic. Interpositional arthroplasty using autologous tissue is accepted treatment for TMJ Ankylosis; however, harvesting autologous tissue is associated with additional morbidity. In this article we report our results of silicon interpositional arthroplasty for TMJ ankylosis. 20 patients with TMJ ankylosis were included in the study. All patients underwent standard operative procedure using preauricular incision for release of TMJ ankylosis by excision of at least 1 cm of bony block and insertion of 2 cm thick silicon block in the joint space. Postoperatively early mobilization of TMJ was advised from 3rd day onwards. Post operative result was evaluated by assessing the mouth opening as inter incisor distance (IID). 20 patients (27 joints) of TMJ ankylosis were included in the study. There were 8 male and 12 female patients with age ranged from 3-35 years. According to Sawhney classification bony ankylosis was present as Type-IV (n = 13 joints), Type-III (n = 12 joints) and Type-II (2 joints). Preoperative mean IID was 7.15 mm and post operative mean IID was 43.5. There was no facial nerve paresis, malocclusion or recurrence but infection and extrusion of implant occurred in 1 case each. Silicon interpositional arthroplasty is an effective procedure for the treatment of TMJ Ankylosis; as it restores mouth opening and function, maintains the vertical ramus height, and prevents re-ankylosis without any donor site morbidity.

Interpositional Arthroplasty by Temporalis Fascia Flap and Galea Aponeurotica Combined With Distraction Osteogenesis: a Modified Method in Treatment of Adult Patients With Temporomandibular Joint Ankylosis and Mandibular Dysplasia

BACKGROUND

Interpositional arthroplasty (IPA) with temporalis fascia flap has been one of the most frequently performed procedures to treat temporomandibular joint (TMJ) ankylosis. However, recurrence often occurs when the flap lacks bulk or atrophies. Whether to perform IPA or distraction osteogenesis (DO) first has long been a controversial issue when patients presented mandibular dysplasia (MD). This study provided IPA a new graft material sufficient to prevent recurrence, combined the modified protocol of performing DO 6 months after IPA, and evaluated its efficacy in treating TMJ ankylosis patients with MD.

METHODS

Six patients with unilateral TMJ ankylosis and MD were treated in the authors' study. The temporalis fascia flap and part of adjacent galea aponeurotica were filled the space after surgical release. Mouth-opening exercises started immediately post-IPA. Distraction osteogenesis was performed 6 months after IPA and had a 4-month consolidation. The maximum interincisal distance at preoperative, immediately post-IPA and the latest follow-up were recorded, as was the distraction length. The body mass index was measured at each patient's postoperative visit.

RESULT

All patients had significant improvements in facial aesthetic, mouth-opening, and occlusion. No major complication or recurrence was observed at 3 to 4 years' follow-up. The mean maximum interincisal distance was 4.83 ± 2.79 mm preoperative and 35.67 ± 3.39 mm at the latest follow-up. The mean distraction distance was 16.17 ± 5.98 mm. The body mass index improved from 17.33 ± 0.64 kg/m preoperative to 18.75 ± 0.60 kg/m before DO.

CONCLUSIONS

Temporalis fascia flap and adjacent galea aponeurotica as new graft materials are recommended for IPA. The modified staged treatment proved to be reliable and effective to prevent recurrence, improve mandibular length and final occlusion.

Matrix-associated chondrocyte transplantation for reconstruction of articulating surfaces in the temporomandibular joint: a pilot study covering medium- and long-term outcomes of 6 patients

Objective

Matrix-associated chondrocyte transplantation is routinely used in joints of the extremities but not in the temporomandibular joint (TMJ).

Study Design

We report the first case series in 7 patients of a tissue engineering approach to regenerate severely degraded articulating surfaces in the TMJ by simultaneously completely resurfacing both the mandibular condyle and the articular eminence/glenoid fossa with a commercially available collagen sponge seeded with autologous cells stabilized within a fibrin matrix. To facilitate healing, we temporarily employed a silicone membrane to protect the engineered tissues. The indications for surgery were posttraumatic fibro-osseous ankylosis, ankylosing osteoarthritis, or late-stage osteoarthritis.

Results

Six of the patients were recalled for follow-up after 3 years 6 months to 12 years 1 month. The maximum incisal opening was 18.2 ± 9.2 mm (range, 9-33 mm) before and 31.2 ± 13.6 mm (range, 12-47 mm) at the latest follow-up. Histologic specimens taken at 4 months showed beginning differentiation of fibrocytes into chondrocytes, whereas at 3 and 11 years, mature hyaline cartilage—not typical for the TMJ—was present.

Conclusions

We conclude that the reconstruction of TMJ surfaces by matrix-associated chondrocyte transplantation may become a routine method for cartilage regeneration in the TMJ in the future.

Congenital cheek teratoma with temporo-mandibular joint ankylosis managed with ultra-thin silicone sheet interpositional arthroplasty

Primary cheek teratomas are rare with < 5 reported cases. None had associated temporo mandibular joint ankylosis (TMJA). The fundamental aim in the treatment of TMJA is the successful surgical resection of ankylotic bone, prevention of recurrence, and aesthetic improvement by ensuring functional occlusion. Early treatment is necessary to promote proper growth and function of mandible and to facilitate the positive psychological development of child. Inter-positional arthroplasty with ultra-thin silicone sheet was performed. Advantages include short operative time, less foreign material in the joint space leading to negligible foreign body reactions and least chances of implant extrusion. Instead of excising a large bony segment, a thin silicone sheet was interposed and then sutured ensuring preservation of mandibular height. Aggressive post-operative physiotherapy with custom made dynamic jaw exerciser was used to prevent recurrence.

CASE REPORT Temporomandibular Joint Arthroplasty With Human Amniotic Membrane: A Case Report

This case reports the usage of human amniotic membrane combined with a costochondral graft as an interpositional material in temporomandibular joint reconstruction for the first time in humans. Because of the favorable outcome 20 months postoperatively, it has to be considered as an approach bringing to light the antiadhesive potential of amniotic membrane. This case report must be regarded as initial spadework and should motivate other institutions to intensify their clinical research in this field. Because of the fact that currently used interpositional materials do not prevent the recurrence of temporomandibular joint ankylosis sufficiently, it is of great interest to establish a proper therapeutic intervention fulfilling these demands. Furthermore, the demonstrated antiadhesive properties of amniotic membrane highlight its multifaceted field of application. Nevertheless, further studies have to prove the findings reported in our case.