Temporalis Myofascial Flap Research Articles

Chondromyxoid fibroma of the temporomandibular joint - a rare case.

Chondromyxoid fibroma (CMF) is a rare cartilaginous tumor, accounting for < 1% of benign bone tumors. We report a case of temporomandibular joint (TMJ)-CMF, involving the pterygopalatine space and skull base and discuss its epidemiology, clinical characteristics, and management. A 56-year-old woman presented with facial asymmetry and progressive mouth opening restriction due to a mass expanding upwardly to the auriculotemporal region. Using digital techniques to determine the lesion's boundary and reconstruct the normal glenoid fossa, the temporalis myofascial flap was transplanted between the titanium mesh and condyle to reconstruct the disc after tumor resection. This case highlights the importance of identifying patients with TMJ-CMF.

Digitalized diagnosis and treatment of pigmented villonodular synovitis of temporomandibular joint: a case report.

Pigmented villonodular synovitis (PVNS) is a rare locally aggressive benign tumor in the temporomandibular joint (TMJ). This paper presents a patient with TMJ-PVNS involving masseteric space, temporal bone, zygomatic process, and mandibular ramus. Digital technique was used to determine the boundary of the lesion and reconstruct the normal glenoid fossa. The temporalis myofascial flap was transplanted between titanium mesh and condyle to reconstruct the disk after the complete resection of the tumor. The patient's facial profile is symmetrical, with a mouth ope-ning of 43 mm. No local recurrence and complications, such as cerebrospinal fluid fistula and encephaloceles, were detected during 30-month follow-up period.

Bilateral fibro-osseous TMJ ankylosis in Marie-Strumpell disease: a case report

Reporting a case of bilateral fibro-osseous TMJ ankylosis in Marie-Strumpell disease. Managed with interposition gap arthroplasty with temporalis myofacial flap. Marie-Strumpell disease or ankylosing spondylitis is a chronic inflammatory disorder affecting predominantly the axial skeleton although peripheral joint involvement may be a significant feature. Temporo-mandibular joint involvement in ankylosing spondylitis varies from 4% to 35%. A 53-year-old male patient reported to our department with a chief complaint of difficulty in opening his mouth and difficulty in eating food. The case was diagnosed as a case of bilateral fibro-osseous TMJ ankylosis associated with ankylosing spondylitis. The individual was managed with aggressive resection of ankylotic segments and inter-position of the temporalis myofascial flap bilaterally with early mobilization and aggressive physiotherapy. Aggressive resection of the ankylotic mass with inter-positional gap arthroplasty with early mobilization and aggressive physiotherapy is a highly effective and safe surgical management option for the management of TMJ ankylosis and with acceptable immediate and long-term outcome with minimum re-ankylosis and have produced satisfactory mandibular movements.

Temporalis Myofascial Flap and Conchal Bowl Cartilage Grafting for Temporomandibular Joint Arthritis

Temporomandibular joint (TMJ) arthritis arises from a multitude of etiologies; however, there is no consensus definitive treatment. The complication profile of artificial TMJs is well known, and outcomes are variable and are reserved for salvage attempts. This case details a patient with persistent traumatic TMJ pain, arthritis, and single-photon emission computed tomography scan of potential nonunion. The present study reports on the first novel use of an alternative composite myofascial flap to help arthritic TMJ pain. This study details the successful use of a temporalis myofascial flap and conchal bowl autologous cartilage graft in posttraumatic TMJ degeneration.

Effectiveness of Dermis Fat Graft Versus Temporalis Myofascial Flap for Interposition in Temporomandibular Joint Ankylosis: A Systematic Review.

Temporomandibular joint ankylosis is a disabling condition which affects joint movements causing difficulty in speech, mastication and hygiene. Over time various interposition materials like meniscus, muscle, fascia, skin, cartilage, fat, dura and alloplastic materials have been used for the treatment of ankylosis and improve joint functions. The objective of this systematic review is to evaluate the effectiveness of dermis fat graft and temporalis myofascial flap as an interpositional material in treatment of temporomandibular joint ankylosis and to compare the effectiveness of the two materials. PubMed, Google scholar, and Cochrane library search in combination with hand search of relevant journals were conducted published in English from January 2000 to August 2021. Randomized controlled trials, prospective and retrospective cohort studies were included. Outcome measure included improvement in mouth opening. Risk of bias assessment was assessed using Cochrane risk of bias tool and Newcastle-Ottawa scale. A total of 144 articles were found from the primary search which on thorough assessment, duplicate and exclusion removal resulted in 9 cohort studies and 1 randomized controlled trial that fulfilled the inclusion criteria. All the studies included reported significant improvement in mouth opening after interposition of the 2 materials. Four studies compared temporalis myofascial flap with dermis fat graft, 2 studies reported dermis fat graft gives better outcomes, whereas 1 study reported temporalis myofascial flap to be better and 1 study has been inconclusive. Definitive conclusions cannot be drawn as there are number of limitations in the studies included. However a general consensus has been toward dermis fat graft owing to fewer complications. The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s12663-023-01869-9.

Modified minimally invasive surgery in reconstructing the temporomandibular joint disk by transplantation of the temporalis myofascial flap

ObjectiveThe transplantation of temporalis myofascial flap (TMF) is an indispensable method to treat severe temporomandibular joint disorders with disk failure. How to select the indication and the ways of transplantation is still a challenging topic for achieving the ideal effect. We reported the new methods and follow-up results of the patients treated with pedicled TMF transplantation.MethodsRetrospective case series was performed at Temporomandibular Joint Specialist Clinic, the First Affiliated Hospital of Xinjiang Medical University, from December 2014 to August 2022. 39 patients (50 sides) included anterior disk displacement without reduction and disk perforation who underwent discectomy and immediate reconstruction with pedicled TMF. The initial and postoperative maximum mouth opening (MMO), and pain visual analogue scale (VAS) were compared via paired t-test and Wilcoxon signed-rank sum test, respectively.ResultsThe average of follow-up time was 30.07 months. The reconstructed temporomandibular joints basically achieved stable occlusion, good function, and satisfactory effect. The patients displayed a remarkable reduction of VAS score of pain, and improvement of the MMO compared with that before operation (P < 0.001). MR scanning revealed the grafts in joint space showed band-shaped soft tissue density of medium signal and had the clear edges, without interruption and fragment.ConclusionReconstruction of the temporomandibular joint disk by transplantation of the TMF applying modified minimally invasive surgery was a feasible method, which could improve the function of joints and prevent adhesion, without obvious complications in donor region.

Utility of Temporalis Myofascial Flap in Reconstruction of Maxillary Palatal Defect

Abstract With advances in various maxillofacial surgeries and methods, maxillary defect reconstruction after tumor resection remains a challenge for a head-and-neck surgeon. The introduction of using regional flaps has been observed a beneficial management for the reconstruction of maxillofacial defects having poorer articulation, deglutition, and esthetic demands and which allowed a single-stage reconstruction method in such defects. Temporalis myofascial flap (TMFF) can readily adapt the palatal vault and induced fibrosis in the muscle can fully support the load of prosthetic devices. In this case report, we have done reconstruction of maxillary defect (Brown’s Class 2b maxillary defect) using TMFF in a 26-year-old patient diagnosed with mucoepidermoid carcinoma of hard palate.

Endonasal skull base repair with a vascularised pedicled temporo-parietal myo-fascial flap.

Expanded endonasal approaches (EEAs) to the skull base have increased the scope and extent of pathologies that can be treated endoscopically. The trade-off is creation of large skull base bone defects requiring reconstruction to re-establish barriers between the sino-nasal mucosa and subarachnoid space to prevent CSF leak and infection. A popular reconstructive technique is the local vascularized pedicled naso-septal flap, an option that may not always be possible when there is disruption of the vascular pedicle from multiple previous surgeries, adjuvant radiotherapy or extensive tumor infiltration. An alternative is the regional temporo-parietal fascial flap (TPFF) transposed via the trans-pterygoid route. We implemented a modification of this technique incorporating contralateral temporalis muscle at the tip of this flap and deeper vascularised pericranial layers within the pedicle to provide a more robust flap in selected cases. A retrospective review of two cases is presented with both patients having undergone multiple EEAs to resect skull base tumors with adjuvant radiotherapy, their postoperative courses complicated by recalcitrant CSF leaks resistant to multiple surgeries. Our patients had their persistent CSF fistulae repaired using infra-temporal transposition of the TPFF modified to include some of the contralateral temporalis muscle with optimisation of a vascular pedicle: a temporo-parietal temporalis myo-fascial flap (TPTMFF). Both CSF leaks resolved without further complication. In situations where local flap repair to reconstruct skull-base defects following EEA may not be viable or has failed, a modified regional flap incorporating temporo-parietal fascia with a preserved vascular pedicle along with attached temporalis muscle plug may provide a robust alternative option.

Outcome of Temporalis Myofascial Flap as an Interpositional Material in Temporomandibular Joint Ankylosis

Temporomandibular joint ankylosis is a common problem in Bangladesh due to trauma and infection. Diverse interpositional materials have been proposed in this regard with especial advantages and limitation. Interpositional arthroplasty is the best solution. The aim of this review article is to provide a useful clinical update about interpositional arthroplasty in temporomandibular joint ankylosis, its advantages and limitations. For this purpose eighteen articles were selected through searching internet, reviewed and are summarized here. Dental surgeons need proper training for proper diagnosis and adequate treatment. Research in this field will be helpful for both patients and doctors. Temporomandibular joint ankylosis, treatment objectives of TMJ ankylosis and update of temporalis myofascial flap as an interpositional material are described here. J Enam Med Col 2020; 10(3): 186-189

Management of unilateral temporomandibular joint ankylosis with facial asymmetry

Long-standing temporomandibular joint (TMJ) ankylosis may compromise facial form and function. Treatment planning needs to address both the ankylosis and the facial deformity. A 21-year-old male patient with unilateral TMJ ankylosis of the right side with gross facial asymmetry was planned for a two-stage surgical procedure. First-stage surgery was done to release fibrous ankylosis, create a new functional joint and achieve adequate mouth opening. A vertical ramus osteotomy with superior repositioning of the proximal ramal segment and interpositional temporalis myofascial flap was done to achieve a functional joint and correct the facial height discrepancy. As the mouth opening was &lt;35 mm, ipsilateral coronoidectomy was done and the resected coronoid process was used a graft in the mandibular angle region. 35 mm of mouth opening was achieved intraoperatively.

Use of the Temporalis Myofascial Flap in Internal Derangement of the Temporomandibular Joint - An Evaluative Study.

Internal derangement is an abnormal relationship between the articular disc and the mandibular condyle. The most common cause is trauma. Various classifications have been given for internal derangement. Initial management is done conservatively and if the disease is progressed, surgery is the option. Various surgical methods and interpositional materials following discectomy have been given in the literature. Over the past 15 years, we selected a group of 30 patients, Wilkes Class IV and V where conservative therapy had failed and were candidates for surgery. The patients had their disc repositioned, the damaged part of the disc was excised and disc was reinforced using the temporalis myofascial flap (TMF). In cases where the disc was non-salvageable, discectomy was done and TMF was placed between condyle and glenoid fossa, sutured with Prolene. The follow-up period was 3 years. Of the 30 patients, there were 9 male and 21 female. Range of mouth opening was 3.3-3.8 cm with improvements in 1 year. The jaw relations gradually improved and were restored after 3 weeks. Patients were totally pain free in 6 months. For the cases where surgery is the line of treatment, we strongly suggest disc repositioning and reinforcement with TMF as the flap is bulky, locally available and easy to harvest and causes no deformity at the donor site.

Functional and Aesthetic Outcome Following Simultaneous Temporomandibular Joint Ankylosis Release and Correction of Chin Discrepancy by Lower Border Osteotomy-A Case Report

This is a case report of a 19 year old adult female with facial asymmetry secondary to right Temporomandibular Joint (TMJ) ankylosis with a history of previous surgery at the age of 10 years with gap arthroplasty for tmj ankylosis which was unsuccessful and lead to relapse .Because of decreased mouth opening and facial disfigurement patient was not able to have a quality life. She reported to our department where she got operated simultaneously for tmj ankylosis with interpositional arthroplasty using temporalis myofascial flap and novel osteotomy technique for correction of chin asymmetry. After surgery there is a significant improvement in patient both functionally and aesthetically.

Novel Surgical Treatment of Recurrent CSF Leak by Temporoparietal Temporalis Myofascial Flap: A Series of 6 Cases

With the advent of modern endoscopes and a better anatomic understanding of the skull base, the indications of endonasal approaches are increasing. These procedures may be complicated by high rates of postoperative cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leak, and reconstruction of the defect remains challenging. In the anterior skull base, vascularized grafts have been reported as superior in preventing CSF leakage and infection. The Hadad-Bassagasteguy flap, being a pedicled flap, is our first line flap to reconstruct the skull base. When we were not successful with this flap, we resorted to different flaps. We modified the originally described temporoparietal fascial flap by Fortes etal and applied clinically. The objective of this paper is to briefly describe the modification of the flap and to review the clinical outcome. From 2014 to 2018, in 6 cases of CSF leak with the appropriate indication, we used the temporoparietal myofascial flap repair that is a modification of the temporoparietal fascial flap by Fortes etal. We took all the 6 patients in our study and followed them up. All of the 6 repairs were successful, and no CSF leak was found just after the operation in 6- to 48-month follow-up. We recommend our modified novel temporoparietal myofascial flap as a very good option in case of failed cases of postoperative CSF leak.

Abdominal Dermis-Fat Graft Versus Conventional Temporalis Myofascial Flap Interposition in Temporomandibular Joint Ankylosis: A Prospective Clinical Comparative Study.

Temporomandibular joint (TMJ) ankylosis is an extremely disabling condition with almost complete inability to open the jaws causing difficulty in chewing, speech, poor oral hygiene and cosmetic disfigurement. Temporalis myofascial flap still remains the most common interpositional material used; however, patients usually complain of pain during movement, unesthetic bulging in the temporal region and trismus due to scar contracture. The main aim of the study was to evaluate the efficacy of abdominal dermis-fat graft and compare it with temporalis myofascial flap as to see which of the two grafts offers more advantages and provides better postoperative results following TMJ ankylosis surgery. A total of 30 diagnosed cases of TMJ ankylosis were randomly divided into two groups of 15 patients each. All the patients underwent TMJ ankylosis release under general anesthesia followed by abdominal dermis-fat interposition in Group A and temporalis muscle in Group B. The patients were assessed for pre-operative and postoperative mouth opening (immediate and 6month postoperative), pain during physiotherapy, donor and surgical site complications and recurrence of ankylosis. The mean maximum inter-incisal opening in dermis-fat group was significantly higher than temporalis group both at immediate and 6month postoperative periods (p = 0.041, 0.001). Physiotherapy was less painful in dermis-fat group than in temporalis group, and the differences in VAS scores among the 2 groups showed high statistical significance (p < 0.001). Hypertrophic scar developed at the donor site in 2 patients in dermis-fat group; however, it was located below the beltline and hardly noticeable. A total of 9 patients (4 in Group A and 5 in Group B) developed temporary facial nerve weakness, and no case of re-ankylosis was noted in either group. Dermis-fat graft in temporomandibular joint ankylosis showed better results than conventional temporalis myofascial flap in terms of postoperative mouth opening, physiotherapy and jaw function with esthetically acceptable results.

Modified Temporalis Myofascial Flap for Management of Temporomandibular Joint Ankylosis: JAIN Technique.

One of the management modalities of temporomandibular joint ankylosis is interpositional gap arthroplasty. The most commonly used interpositioning material is temporalis myofascial flap owing to its close proximity to operating site. However, sometimes this flap becomes insufficient in terms of length. Hence, we propose a technique of temporalis myofascial flap lengthening. The technique described in the manuscript increases the length of the flap by 1½-fold. This increases the reach of the flap till the medial aspect of the created gap avoiding bone-to-bone contact during movement of the jaw. This technique can be easily and effectively used to ensure proper interpositioning during management of temporomandibular joint ankylosis to avoid recurrence.

Recurrent ankylotic mass treated with aggressive resection and myofascial flap with aggressive physiotherapy

We are presenting a case with multiple recurring ankylosis, as the child had exhibited the clinical signs and symptoms of an ankylotic right temporomandibular joint. She was operated for the 1st time when she was 6 years old with poor compliance and was reoperated with a distraction unit when she was 10 years old. The research points out to frequent relapses in younger patients operated as they had less compliance relative to the adult ankylotic patients. Henceforth, we dealt with an aggressive approach of planning only on the resection of the mass and if the mouth opening ensues to progress with further correction of the asymmetry and the residual defect. The patient had nil mouth opening and hence was consented for tracheostomy, and fiber-optic intubation was arranged. The aggressive resection of the ankylotic mass was done and the cavity was lined with temporalis myofascial flap. This was followed by aggressive physiotherapy. The patient now has 28 mm of mouth opening and is continuing aggressive physiotherapy for the same. After 6 months of surgery, the patient is planned to undergo corrective jaw surgery for the asymmetry present.

A Single-Stage Reconstruction of Maxillectomy Defects with Temporalis Muscle Flap—Revisiting the Past

Oncological resections involving the maxillofacial unit are aggressive and functionally mutilating. The inherently complex maxillary defects pose a reconstructive challenge. The reconstructive options described vary from regional soft tissue to free or combinations of soft tissue flaps and alloplastic implants. The temporalis myofascial flap is a versatile flap for reconstruction of maxillofacial defects. Due to its robust vascularity, adequate bulk, proximity to the defects, and minimal donor-site morbidity, it remains a popular choice of reconstruction for a contemporary surgeon. A retrospective analysis of nine patients undergoing a single-stage temporalis myofascial flap reconstruction following maxillectomy was performed to determine its utility, post-operative complications, and its impact on quality of life. The patients undergoing surgery had tumours involving maxillary alveolar–buccal complex (four), maxillary antrum (three), and hard palate (two). The histological types of the tumour were squamous cell carcinoma (six), adenocarcinoma (one), adenoid cystic carcinoma (one), and undifferentiated pleomorphic sarcoma (one). Post-surgical defects reconstructed with this flap included infrastructure maxillectomy (one), subtotal maxillectomy (one), total maxillectomy (five), and extended total maxillectomy (two). None of the flaps failed in any patient (flap survival rate of 100%); one patient had minimal dehiscence which was managed conservatively. No significant speech and swallowing-related issues were reported by any of the patients. Aesthetic expectations were met in most of the patients.

Evaluation of Success of Transport Disc Distraction Osteogenesis and Costochondral Graft for Ramus Condyle Unit Reconstruction in Pediatric Temporomandibular Joint Ankylosis

The costochondral graft (CCG) is considered the reference standard for pediatric temporomandibular joint reconstruction. It has the disadvantages of unpredictable growth, donor site morbidity, and the need for intermaxillary fixation. It has been reported that transport disk distraction osteogenesis (TDDO) can result in the formation of a neocondyle and disc. We performed a randomized trial to measure and compare clinically relevant outcomes of ramus-condyle unit (RCU) reconstruction using CCG and TDDO for pediatric temporomandibular joint ankylosis (TMJA). In the present randomized controlled trial (block randomization with a variable block size), pediatric patients with unilateral, nonrecurrent TMJA aged 3 to 16years who had presented to our unit from December 2015 to June 2017 were enrolled. Instead of temporalis myofascial flap interposition, a buccal fat pad was used to fill the gap created by osteoarthrectomy. The primary outcome parameter was mouth opening. A mouth opening of at least 25mm at the median follow-up point was considered success. The secondary outcome parameters were occlusion, laterotrusion, protrusion, reankylosis, neocondyle, chin deviation, facial asymmetry, midline shift, and neo-disc formation. Data were analyzed using the independent t test and rank sum test. A total of 24 patients were enrolled in the CCG and TDDO groups (n=12 in each group). Trauma (40.9%) was the most common etiology with a slight male preponderance (59.09%). The mean age was 10.32±2.85years. The average distraction achieved in the TDDO group was 10.42mm. The median follow-up duration was 31.5months (range, 24 to 39months). The mean preoperative maximal incisal opening had improved from 8.5±4.1 and 9.5±7.1mm in the CCG and TDDO groups preoperatively to 35.7±2.7 and 34.4±8.9mm, respectively, at the median follow-up point (P<.005). RCU reconstruction with both modalities resulted in improvement in all the parameters; however, the intergroup comparison showed statistically non-significant differences. No reankylosis or open bite was found. The 3-hour delayed gadolinium-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging scan showed successful neo-disc formation. Similar success can be achieved in RCU reconstruction using either CCG or TDDO for pediatric TMJA. Both techniques have some advantages and disadvantages. RCU reconstruction using CCG or TDDO results in formation of a neocondyle, maintenance of occlusion, and correction of facial asymmetry.

Interpositional arthroplasty with temporalis myofascial flap reconstruction in a case of temporomandibular joint bony ankylosis: a case report and review of literature

The report describes the treatment of a 30 year old female patient having unilateral right temporomandibular joint (TMJ) bony ankylosis whose mouth opening was restricted to 5 mm and had additional mandibular retrognathism causing severe mastication problems besides speech difficulties and low morale. The ankylosis had resulted in facial asymmetry due to bony hard swelling in front of right tragus. The patient was taken up for right interpositional arthroplasty with temporalis myofascial flap reconstruction by pre auricular approach and left coronoidectomy by intraoral approach as a preferred technique. A satisfactory mouth opening of 33 mm was achieved in immediate post-operative. Patient was followed up with aggressive mouth opening exercises in postoperative period.

Temporal myofascial segmentation for multilayer reconstruction of middle cranial fossa floor after extradural subtemporal approach to the clival and paraclival region.

Skull-base reconstruction represents a concern after resection of middle fossa (MF) tumors by the extradural subtemporal transzygomatic approach (ESTZ). Regional pedicled flaps appear to be the best option. This study describes a technique for temporal myofascial segmentation to harvest a multilayered vascularized flap for MF reconstruction, which might preserve temporal muscle (TM) function and its blood supply. The technique to harvest a combined segmented temporal myofascial flap (CSTMF) is described. The flap consists in a temporal fascial (TFF) and a muscle flap (TMF), composed by TM anterior-medial bundle (AMB). CSTMF provides wide coverage of dural lining, through the TFF, and of dead-space, through the TMF. The possibility to tailor TMF according to the need, anatomically preserving the blood supply, enables to significantly increase its volume. CSTMF represents an effective option as regional multilayered pedicled flap for MF reconstruction, potentially preserving TM function and minimizing the cosmetic impact.