Combination of double-sliding advancement genioplasty and prearthroplastic distraction osteogenesis in cases of TMJ ankylosis with severe mandibular atrophy

The aim of this study is to present a case of facial asymmetry secondary to unilateral long-standing temporomandibular joint (TMJ) ankylosis managed by a staged treatment protocol. Treatment for facial asymmetry secondary to unilateral TMJ ankylosis can have varied approaches followed by different workers according to their experiences. This predistraction arthroplasty versus prearthroplastic distraction debate has been at the center stage in literature for quite some time. Hereby, we present a case followed by the latter approach along with double-sliding genioplasty to correct chin asymmetry. A 25-year-old male patient with a history of facial trauma 15 years ago reported a complaint of inability to open mouth and gradually developing facial asymmetry. The patient was thoroughly evaluated using radiographs and cephalometric analysis to establish the diagnosis of TMJ ankylosis with facial asymmetry and suspected sleep apnea. The patient was treated according to our institutional protocol of prearthroplastic asymmetry correction followed by ankylosis release along with double-sliding genioplasty to correct residual deformity at a later date. Correction of facial asymmetry before ankylosis release provides a more evidence-based approach as supported by the current literature. Plus, any residual deformity can be rectified using orthomorphic procedures such as genioplasty. Since there is an ongoing debate in the current literature about sequencing in the treatment of facial asymmetry cases, the presented case adds to the argument that the approach followed herein provides for more favorable outcome.