Controversies in the Management of Temporomandibular Joint Ankylosis Using Distraction Osteogenesis - A Systematic Review

Abstract

Background: The three commonly employed sequences of distraction osteogenesis (DO) in the management of temporomandibular joint (TMJ) ankylosis with dentofacial deformities include post-arthroplastic distraction osteogenesis (PAD), simultaneous arthroplastic distraction osteogenesis (SAD), and pre-arthroplastic distraction osteogenesis (PrAD). Objective: The aim of this systematic review is to compare the effectiveness of various sequences of DO in the management of TMJ ankylosis with micrognathia/and obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (OSAS). Data Sources: A comprehensive online and manual search of English language literature with no date restrictions was done on March 2020. Eligibility Criteria: Inclusion criteria were case series and prospective and retrospective studies involving adult/paediatric human subjects with unilateral/bilateral TMJ ankylosis and micrognathia/OSAS treated with DO. Study Appraisal and Synthesis Methods: Of 73 studies identified, only 10 were included in the qualitative synthesis. The outcomes assessed were as follows: maximum mouth opening (MMO), posterior airway space (PAS), polysomnography variables, reankylosis, mandibular length, and chin and mandible position. Results: All the included studies showed high risk of bias. MMO and mandibular length increased, chin and mandibular position improved by the end of treatment in all the three sequences, and polysomnography variables and PAS significantly improved in PrAD compared to PAD and improved in SAD compared to baseline. Reankylosis was significantly less in PrAD. Conclusion: More well-designed studies comparing the three sequences of DO should be carried out to arrive at a consensus.

Surgical management of temporomandibular joint ankylosis with mersilene mesh interpositional arthroplasty: A case series study

“…[ 8 ] Many techniques have been described to treat TMJ ankylosis. [ 5 ] In these cases, the treatment was planned in the following stages: Mersilene mesh interpositional arthroplasty, physiotherapy, and rehabilitation by a partial denture or dental implantation. All the patients were treated by interpositional arthroplasty through a preauricular approach.…”

“…[ 4 ] The most frequently reported operations include gap arthroplasty, interpositional arthroplasty, and joint reconstruction with autogenous or alloplastic materials. [ 5 ] Interpositional arthroplasty is believed to be able to reduce the occurrence of re-ankylosis by insertion of interpositional materials after resection of the ankylosis. Interpositional arthroplasty is a method of treating ankylosis in the TMJ by creating a 1 cm gap between the glenoid fossa and the mandibular ramus and then placing a material such as temporal fascia, cartilage, or alloplastic material.…”