What is TMJ ankylosis?

Ankylosis – is a fibrous or bony fusion of the articular surfaces of the temporomandibular joint. This fusion can be unilateral or bilateral, but it is always accompanied by impaired joint function and leads to a pronounced limitation of mandibular movements.
Ankylosis results from the destruction of joint surfaces and overgrowth of connective tissue.

Causes of ankylosis:

• TMJ injuries: injuries that occur in childhood (for example, birth injuries) can lead to underdevelopment of the jaw, pronounced facial asymmetry and skeletal forms of malocclusion
• Inflammatory diseases of the joint and surrounding tissues of the maxillofacial region (arthritis, osteomyelitis, etc.)

Severe inflammation leads to destruction of the bony structures of the joint and fusion of the articular surfaces. To restore the function and anatomy of the joint, a surgical correction method – arthroplasty (restoration of the joint gap and endoprosthesis of the articular surfaces) is used. After surgical restoration of the joint, orthodontic treatment is often required to normalize the position of the teeth and create correct occlusal contacts.

See also: TMJ treatment