Indication of Contralateral Temporalis Muscle Myotomy in Temporomandibular Joint Ankylosis

Abstract

Statement of the Problem: Ankylosis of the temporomandibular joint is a serious disabling and distressing structural condition which causes severe facial disfigurement and psychological stress. When it occurs early in childhood it produces micrognathia, deviation of mandible to the affected side, difficulties in eating, and breathing during sleep. Trauma has been reported as the most common factor in TMJ ankylosis followed by local and systemic infections. Kazanjian classified ankylosis as True and False. Sawhney grouped TMJ ankylosis into Type I, Type II, Type III, and Type IV, depending on the pathological changes seen in his operative findings. The degree of limitation in mandibular motion varies considerably and depends on the type and amount of tissue connecting the mandible. This necessitates additional procedures along with condylectomy like ipsilateral and contralateral coronoidectomy. The aim of this study was to correlate the size of blob of bone around the TMJ based on classification with contralateral temporalis muscle myotomy through an intraoral approach.