Abstract
Objective: This study was designed to evaluate the effect of temporomandibular joint (TMJ) bony ankylosis on Eustachian tube (ET) functions. Subjects and Methods: Twelve patients suffering from TMJ bony ankylosis were selected from those attending the out-patient Clinic of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery Department, Faculty of Oral and Dental Medicine, Cairo University. Twelve subjects (control group) underwent Eustachian tube function test were selected also. Tympanometry was utilized to assess Eustachian tube function. Three pressure reading (P1, P2, and P3) of the middle ear and external ear canal volume were recorded by the use of tympanometry. Comparisons were performed between patient and control group to evaluate the change of pressure. Results: Throughout the results, four ears showed type (C) tympanogram representing Eustachian tube dysfunction, two ears showed type (B) tympanogram which represent otitis media with effusion. While other ears showed type (A) tympanogram. On comparing the pressure values between the patients and the control, significant decrease was recorded in (P2) value in the patients group and no significant difference existed in the external canal volume. Conclusions: The Eustachian tube function is affected in patients of temporomandibular joint bony ankylosis, it cannot adapt to changes in pressure effectively. Patients of TMJ ankylosis are more liable to develop otitis media. Inflation-deflation test is a reliable method for evaluating Eustachian tube function in patients of (TMJ) ankylosis. The external ear canal volume was not affected in this group of patients.
Highlights
Introduction and Review of LiteratureTemporomandibular joint (TMJ) ankylosis usually impede the growth of upper and lower jaws
Impairments of orofacial function include the following, breathing problems due to the altered position of the larynx and the posterior position of the tongue, limited chewing ability, and alterations in speech, compromised oral hygiene and dental care, dental malocclusion, and psychological problem. [1, 2] Review of literature concerning the temporomandibular joint (TMJ) ankylosis showed that this subject has received a considerable attention regarding etiology, epidemiology, diagnosis and treatment; revision of data has failed to detect the relation between TMJ ankylosis and Eustachian tube functions
The present study was planned in an attempt to evaluate the relation between the temporomandibular joint (TMJ) bony ankylosis and Eustachian tube (ET) functions
Summary
Temporomandibular joint (TMJ) ankylosis usually impede the growth of upper and lower jaws. It ends up by osseous and soft tissue deformities. The Eustachian tube opens for a fraction of a second periodically in response to jaw movement, swallowing, chewing, yawning and Valsalva maneuver. It allows air into the middle ear to equalize pressure changes. Interference with this periodic opening and closing might
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