Temporomandibular joint (TMJ) ankylosis results in the mandible being fused to the articular fossa by bony or fibrotic tissues. This interferes with several functions such as mastication, speech, oral hygiene, and normal life activities, and can be potentially life. Threatening especially while trying to acquire an air way in an emergency. Attempting to open the mouth, stretching the periosteum, can also result in pain. Multiple factors can result in TM Jankylosis, such as trauma, arthritis, infection, previous TMJ surgery, congenital deformities, idiopathic factors, and iatrogenic causes of which trauma is the commonest cause. In growing patients TMJ ankylosis results in dentofacial deformity with severe trismus. Diagnosis usually is madeby clinical examination and imaging studies, such as plain films, orthopantomograms, computedtomography (CT) scans, MRI, and three dimensional reconstruction. The management goal in TMJ ankylosis is toincrease the patient’s mandibular function, correct associated facial deformity, decrease pain, and prevent reankylosis. Multiple surgical modalities including gap arthroplasty, interpositionalarthroplasty, and total joint reconstruction (TJR) has been suggested. Autogenoustissues, such as ear cartilage, temporalismuscle flap, dermis, fat, and bone, have also beenused or after gap arthroplasty. Distraction osteogenesishas also been used to manage TMJ ankylosis with release of ankylosis before and after the distraction process. The common post operative complications include reankylosis, resorption, overgrowth, fracture, and pain.
