Temporomandibular Joint Ankylosis Surgery with Silicon Sheet Interpositional Arthroplasty

Background: Temporomandibular joint ankylosis frequently occurs succeeding untreated or not adequately treated mandible fractures. The treatment options include condylectomy and gap and interpositional arthroplasty. Condylectomy is usually performed only for cases of fibrous or early ankylosis because of difficulty of delineating the glenoid fossa in more severe cases. Gap arthroplasty has been criticized because of high recurrence and tendency to produce open bite deformities in recent years. Interpositional arthroplasty has gained popularity because of its satisfactory long-term results and low recurrence rates, but use of autogenously or alloplastic materials are still controversial. Alloplast materials tend to cause foreign body reaction, and extrusion and displacement are uncommon. Conversely, autogenously grafts may cause significant donor site morbidity, and resorption eventually is almost inevitable. Materials: Seven patients with Temporomandibular joint (TMJ) ankylosis which were admitted to 15th Khordad hospital from year 2002 to 2004 were included in this study. Result: Postoperative result showed mean properative and postoperative six mounts interincisor opening value to be 4 and 33 mm respectively. Postoperative hematoma was present in one patient on the second postoperative day after evaluation of hematoma by opening the wound. Primary saturation was accomplished on the sixth postoperative day. There were no other complications such as infection and recurrence. Conclusion: In conclusion, using silicon in interpositional arthroplasty is an efficient and reliable method for treatment of TMJ ankylosis.