DOI: 10.36347/sjmcr.2018.v06i11.003

Pages: 899-904

The temporomandibular joint (TMJ) forms the very cornerstone of cranio-facial integrity and is the most active, functioning joint of the body. It is one of the most common pathologies afflicting the facial skeleton, it is also the most overlooked and under-managed problem in children. Trauma to the TMJ is the most common etiology of ankylosis of TMJ. Clinical examination, radiographic evaluation is essential to confirm the diagnosis. Management of the TMJ ankylosis is mainly by surgical intervention but still composes a considerable challenge because of the high recurrence rate. Interposition arthroplasty in accordance with Kaban protocol was found to be the most successful treatment modality over other techniques due to lesser chance of recurrence while maintaining the ramal height. Though many types of autogenous grafts and alloplastic materials are available for the interposition arthroplasty, the temporalis myofascial flap offers significant advantages like ease of harvesting, minimal donor site morbidity and effective coverage of the arthroplasty site. The present case describes a surgical management of unilateral bony ankylosis of TMJ due to trauma which has been fused with glenoid fossa and root of the zygoma by interposition gap arthroplasty and reconstruction of condyle with excised coronoid process of ipsilateral side.