Surgical treatment of posttraumatic ankylosis of the TMJ with different pathogenic mechanisms

OBJECTIVE: Posttraumatic ankylosis of the TMJ can be caused by many different pathogenic mechanisms. Prosthetic alloplastic grafts and autogenous grafts are the options for surgical treatment. METHODS: Seven patients were examined clinically and radiologically. Autogenous interpositioners were used for treatment of TMJ ankylosis. RESULTS: No major complications were seen after surgery. Interincisal distances have significantly widened following mouth opening exercises for one year. CONCLUSIONS: Human skulls have many structure and shape differences, so it is difficult to replace a jaw joint successfully with an artificial one. Using autogenous tissues seems an appropriate choice for treatment.