3-D computed tomography measurement of mandibular growth after costochondral grafting in growing children with temporomandibular joint ankylosis and jaw deformity

Abstract

The aim of this study was to evaluate the long-term results after costochondral grafting (CCG) in growing children with temporomandibular joint ankylosis and jaw deformity by 3-dimensional computed tomography (CT) measurement. Patients with unilateral TMJ ankylosis and jaw deformity treated by CCG from 2010 to 2014 were evaluated. Their CT data within 1week after operation and after at least 2years of follow-up were analyzed using ProPlan CMF 1.4 software. Maximal incisal opening (MIO), condyle-ramus heights, chin deviation, and growth of CCG were measured and compared before and after the operation and at the last follow-up. SPSS 17.0 software was used for statistical analysis. Seven patients were included in the study. The mean follow-up period was 46.4months. Five of 7 patients treated with this protocol experienced good mouth opening and symmetric mandibular growth. One patient achieved good mouth opening but not symmetric growth, and 1 patient experienced ankylosis again. CCG can be a reliable method to treat temporomandibular joint ankylosis with jaw deformity in growing children. Continued growth occurs in the children, but long-term outcomes require further investigation.