Bilateral TMJ Ankylosis: Total Joint Reconstruction in a Patient With Zero Mouth Opening: A Case Report

Objective Present a case of a young patient with bilateral bony ankylosis of the TMJ with zero mouth opening treated with TMJ prosthesis. Methods The ankylosis was studied in detail with computed tomography (CT) and we used virtual surgical planning in the pre-operative phase to provide splints and cutting guides. The patient was treated with bilateral custom-made alloplastic TMJ prosthesis. Results Optimal functional improvement at the 5.5 year follow up after total joint reconstruction without any adverse effects. Mouth opening was 35 mm and the patient was free from pain. CT-images showed no signs of pathology or increased remodeling and bone formation. Conclusion Ankylosis of the TMJ in young and adult population presents unique challenges given the need to account for growth of the mandible and anatomical variations. This report supports the use of total joint reconstruction for end-stage TMJ disease.