Treatment of Ankylosis in Children Associated With Osteogenic Distraction: Literature Review and Case Report

Abstract

Introduction: Temporomandibular joint ankylosis is defined as a bone or fibrous adhesion of the anatomical joint and its components in the glenoid fossa, and it is accompanied by limited mouth opening, causing difficulties in chewing, speaking and oral hygiene, which may influence mandibular growth. This condition in children may or may not be associated with a disease, syndrome or trauma. Method: To review the literature on the treatment of ATM ankylosis associated with micrognathia in children with osteogenic distraction, and to report two clinical cases of children with unilateral or bilateral ankylosis with mandibular micrognathia. Methods: To present a broad research on the etiology, risk factors and complications of this condition as the options of treatments for the ankylosis of TMJ in children by Buccomaxillofacial Surgery treated with gap arthroplasty surgery without interposition of materials, with the installation of osteogenic distractors for the correction of mandibular deformities. Results: The cases presented here continue to be treated and monitored since their development is not yet complete, but the procedures performed are successful without presenting recurrences so far. Conclusions: Osteogenic distraction is one of the treatments that can treat ankylosis in children with success. However, the successful treatment of children with TMJ ankylosis with dentofacial deformities is slow and prolonged, and the earlier it is initiated, the greater the success of treatment completion, always depending on the joint work of a multidisciplinary team, as well as family support and patient collaboration.