Ankylosis of the temporo mandibular joint is relatively rare. In the great majority of cases, bony ankylosis of the temporomandibular joint is due either to infection or trauma, or combination of both. A restricted diet, impaired speech, micrugnathic asymmetrical facial appearance and possible respiratory problems may result in serious physical and psychological disabilities. And because of the inability Ito carry out dental hygiene, dental caries are usually for advanced.
Regarding management, the first to undertake the correction of the condition was Esmarch in 1851, a considerable literature has accumulated, about the surgical management of the temporomandibular joint ankylosis.
Now it is generally agreed that surgical intervention is the preferred treatment, although, so aptly stated by Georgiade et al in 1957, still centers on two main issues: whether any material should be interposed. between the resected segments and if so, what type of material
This paper reviews our experience of cases of temporo mandibular joint ankylosis who had been treated on the basis of the principles stressed by Blair in 1914.
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