Zurich pediatric distractor for ramal condylar unit distraction in temporomandibular joint ankylosis

Temporomandibular joint (TMJ) Ankylosis is an extremely disabling condition characterized by difficulty or inability to open the mouth resulting in facial asymmetry, malocclusion and dental problems. Surgical excision of the ankylosed mass is the only treatment option available to gain mouth opening. The loss in vertical height of ramus following release of ankylosis is difficult to manage in both unilateral and bilateral TMJ ankylosis. Out of all the methods to restore this height Distraction Osteogenesis (DO) is gaining popularity because of predictable gain in the length without any associated morbidity. Recurrent bilateral TMJ ankylosis in a 32 year old male was treated by osteoarthrectomy and temporal fascia interpositioning arthroplasty. Bilateral reconstruction of ramal condylar unit (RCU) was carried out by Zurich paediatric distractor (KLS Martin, Tuttlingen Germany). Following a latency period of 7 days distraction was carried out at a rate of 1mm/day for 8 days. Distractors were removed after 12 weeks of consolidation period. The case was followed up for 12 months during which the mouth opening was maintained at 38 mm and there was no anterior open bite.