A. Thangavelu, R. Murugan, K Bharathi

ABSTRACT

Aims and objectives: Various interpositional materials have been used to prevent the recurrence after gap arthroplasty in temperomandibular joint ankylosis cases; most commonly used being the temporalis muscle and/or fascia and free fat dermis graft. In this study, a combination of temporalis muscle and free fat dermis interposition was used and its efficacy in preventing reankylosis was evaluated. Materials and methods: Two cases of unilateral temperomandibular joint reankylosis were evaluated with a follow up of 3months. Results: Regular clinical and radiological follow up was done for 3months during which the average mouth opening of 32 mm was maintained, with good occlusion and proper function. Post op orthopantomogram showed a well maintained gap between the newly created articular surfaces indicating no evidence of reankylosis in both cases. Conclusion: In this short term prospective study, we found that this combo interposition of temporalis muscle flap and free fat dermis graft in recurrent ankylosis along with adjuvant indomethacin therapy produced satisfactory results in achieving adequate mouth opening and jaw function