ABSTRACT
Temporomandibular joint (TMJ) ankylosis is a fibrous or bony fusion of the skull base with the mandibular condyle leading to trismus. Etiology can be trauma, infection, degenerative or inflammatory joint disease. Ankylosis affects chewing efficiency, speech, airway and aesthetics. The universal feature of ankylosis is restricted/no mouth opening. Computed tomography imaging is the gold standard for diagnosis and treatment planning. Measurement of the ankylotic mass in all dimensions will prepare the surgeon for possible intraoperative complications such as haemorrhage from the maxillary artery. Anaesthesia in TMJ ankylosis requires an experienced anaesthetic team to perform fibreoptic-assisted intubation. Fibreoptic intubation under sedation with spontaneous ventilation is the safest option. Ankylosis in infancy can be due to birth trauma from forceps delivery, infection and agenesis. The main aim of treatment during this period is to improve the compromised airway, provide function and to permit ongoing growth.
