ðĶī A Closer Look at Recurrence, Compliance, and the Strength of Conservative Management in Pediatric TMJ Ankylosis
Temporomandibular joint (TMJ) ankylosis in children is more than just restricted mouth opening, it affects nutrition, speech, mental health, craniofacial growth, and overall quality of life. When the cause is an old untreated trauma, the risk of recurrence becomes even higher.
In a recent publication in the Jurnal Rekonstruksi dan Estetik, titled:
RECURRENT TEMPOROMANDIBULAR JOINT ANKYLOSIS CAUSED BY OLD FRACTURE: A CASE REPORT
(DOI: 10.20473/jre.v10i2.66548)
ð Key Insights for Reconstructive Surgeons, OMFS Specialists, and Clinicians
ðđ A High-Risk Case of Recurrent TMJ Ankylosis
An 11-year-old girl presented with limited mouth opening and lower jaw pain, three years after falling down the stairs. She previously underwent gradual TMJ distraction using bite blocks, followed by weekly physiotherapy. However, her symptoms recurred four months later.
An 11-year-old girl presented with limited mouth opening and lower jaw pain, three years after falling down the stairs. She previously underwent gradual TMJ distraction using bite blocks, followed by weekly physiotherapy. However, her symptoms recurred four months later.
ðđ Why Recurrence Occurred
A CT scan revealed left TMJ synarthrosis and condylar deformity.
The case highlights a crucial point:
A CT scan revealed left TMJ synarthrosis and condylar deformity.
The case highlights a crucial point:
ð Surgical or distraction procedures alone are not enough.
Without consistent physiotherapy and patient compliance, the risk of re-ankylosis remains high.
Without consistent physiotherapy and patient compliance, the risk of re-ankylosis remains high.
ðđ A Non-Invasive Approach That Works
A conservative approach combining:
gradual distraction,
bite-block–assisted mobilization,
structured physiotherapy,
resulted in significant improvement in mouth opening, and the patient remained recurrence-free for six months with proper adherence.
A conservative approach combining:
gradual distraction,
bite-block–assisted mobilization,
structured physiotherapy,
resulted in significant improvement in mouth opening, and the patient remained recurrence-free for six months with proper adherence.
ðđ Why This Matters for Pediatric Patients
In children, facial growth is still ongoing. Excessively invasive procedures may disrupt development. Therefore, closed procedures paired with regular physiotherapy serve as an ideal strategy, minimizing complications and reducing the need for repeated surgical interventions.
In children, facial growth is still ongoing. Excessively invasive procedures may disrupt development. Therefore, closed procedures paired with regular physiotherapy serve as an ideal strategy, minimizing complications and reducing the need for repeated surgical interventions.
ðŊ Why This Case Report Deserves Attention
Emphasizes the critical role of physiotherapy in preventing TMJ ankylosis recurrence.
Demonstrates that patient motivation and compliance are as important as surgical technique.
Provides an effective, safe, and child-friendly conservative management strategy.
Offers clinical evidence that early conservative treatment may delay or avoid major surgery in pediatric cases.
Emphasizes the critical role of physiotherapy in preventing TMJ ankylosis recurrence.
Demonstrates that patient motivation and compliance are as important as surgical technique.
Provides an effective, safe, and child-friendly conservative management strategy.
Offers clinical evidence that early conservative treatment may delay or avoid major surgery in pediatric cases.
ð Read the full article here: https://doi.org/10.20473/jre.v10i2.66548
ð Published in: Jurnal Rekonstruksi dan Estetik
✍️ Authors: Siti Isya Wahdini, Fina Idamatussilmi
ð Published in: Jurnal Rekonstruksi dan Estetik
✍️ Authors: Siti Isya Wahdini, Fina Idamatussilmi
Volume 10, Issue 1 | June 2025
Open Access | Peer Reviewed
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