ABSTRACT
With regard to the temporomandibular joint (TMJ), the disorder is usually classified as intra-capsular or extracapsular according to where the restriction occurs. Hypotensive anaesthesia aids the dissection particularly of the deep tissues and an anti-Trendelenberg table (30 head up) with no neck flexion will also reduce venous filling. Several clinicians are now investigating whether secondary functional growth occurs following adequate mobilization and alloplastic reconstruction, although this remains controversial. Ankylosis or anchylosis is a stiffness of the articulation and rigidity of the bones of the joint, which may be the result of injury or disease such that movement is either not possible or is greatly restricted. With regard to TMJ, the disorder is usually classified as intra-capsular or extracapsular according to where the restriction occurs. Prosthetic replacement of the TMJ is now the gold standard in developed countries for restoration of function of the TMJ following ankylosis surgery.
