Autogenous Grafts for Condylar Reconstruction in the Treatment of Temporomandibular Joint Ankylosis

Abstract

Background: Temporomandibular joint (TMJ) ankylosis is distinguished by complexity or failure to open the mouth, leading to facial asymmetry, and malaligned teeth due to fusion of temporal bone with mandibular condyle. Objective: The present review aimed to discuss the different options of condylar reconstruction in TMJ ankylosis patients by autogenous grafts as reported in previous studies. Materials and Methods: A wide-ranging electronic search was performed by the following electronic databases: PubMed (Central), Hinari, and Google Scholar. A total of 25 full-text articles were found to meet the inclusion criteria and were reviewed for qualitative analysis in this study. Results: Surgery with or without condylar reconstruction is the only treatment alternative for TMJ ankylosis patients. Removal of ankylotic mass followed by condylar reconstruction with different existing autogenous grafts such as costochondral (CCG), sternoclavicular (SCG), coronoid, and metatarsal are done by surgeons. However, the costochondral graft is a preference by most surgeons due to its easy accessibility and adaptation. Distraction osteogenesis (DO) provides fewer complications with excellent efficient results in TMJ reconstruction. Conclusions: Up till now, any of the autogenous grafts for condylar reconstruction are not ideal for rebuilding the TMJ complex anatomy. CCG is still now the main choice for surgeons to reconstruct the TMJ in pediatric patients. DO has become popular recently.