Ankylosis of the Temporomandibular Joint

Ankylosis of the Temporomandibular Joint: causes, symptoms and treatment

Ankylosis of the Temporomandibular Joint (TMJ) is a condition in which there is limited mobility or complete immobility of the lower jaw. This is a rare disease that can lead to severe jaw deformities and impaired jaw function.

The etiology of ATMJ can be different. It may be associated with infectious arthritis, trauma, including birth, as well as other factors that lead to joint damage. In most cases, ATMJ develops slowly - months or years.

The pathogenesis of ATMJ is associated with bony or fibrous fusion of articular surfaces, which occurs as a result of damage or death of articular cartilage. In this case, the articular surfaces become inseparable, which leads to limited mobility or complete immobility of the lower jaw.

Symptoms of ATMJ include persistent jaw clenching, complete or partial, usually unilateral. The deformation of the lower jaw is more pronounced the earlier the ankylosis is formed. The branch and body of the lower jaw on the affected side are shortened. The chin is shifted to this side and posteriorly. With bilateral ankylosis, microgenia (“bird face”) may develop.

The corners of the lower jaw protrude. The dental arches are deformed and articulation is impaired. Abundant tartar, lateral teeth tilted. Milk teeth are often preserved. Eating is difficult.

On an x-ray, the elements of the joint are not differentiated. Bone cords can extend from the articular and coronoid processes to the base of the skull.

Surgical treatment of ATMJ is osteotomy of the mandibular branch. In the postoperative period, mechanotherapy is performed. For osteotomy, articular heads made of polymer materials are used. With fibrous ankylosis, forced movement of the jaws is possible.

The prognosis depends on the type of ankylosis. Bone ankylosis leads to permanent deformations and disorders of jaw function; with fibrous ankylosis the prognosis is more favorable.

Prevention of ATMJ consists of rational treatment of arthritis and prevention of birth trauma. If symptoms of ATMJ occur, you should consult a specialist for diagnosis and treatment.

In conclusion, Ankylosis of the Temporomandibular Joint is a serious condition that can lead to significant impairment of jaw function. If symptoms appear, you should consult a specialist for diagnosis and treatment. Rational therapy of arthritis and prevention of birth trauma can help prevent the development of this disease. Surgical treatment can eliminate limited mobility or complete immobility of the lower jaw and restore its function.