A Pediatric Case of Bilateral Custom Made Prostheses of TMJ and Literature Review
摘要
Temporomandibular joint ankylosis (TMJA) is a pathological condition characterized by restricted mouth opening, most frequently resulting from trauma, infection, or inflammatory disease. Management options include autogenous reconstruction or alloplastic total joint replacement. In recent years, custom-made prostheses have emerged as a valuable solution, especially in anatomically complex cases. The aim of this article is to present a rare pediatric case of bilateral TMJ ankylosis treated with custom prostheses and to review existing literature.
Case PresentationWe report the case of a 16-year-old male presenting with severe bilateral TMJ ankylosis, a maximal incisal opening (MIO) of 1 cm, and significant functional impairment two years after facial trauma. Bilateral ankylotic masses were excised and reconstructed using custom-made total joint prostheses planned through virtual surgical simulation.
DiscussionStock prostheses may not adequately adapt to patient-specific anatomy, whereas custom-made devices provide a tailored solution that enhances precision, function, and long-term outcomes. In this case, bilateral coronoidectomy and preoperative tracheostomy were necessary to optimize access and safety. Postoperatively, the patient achieved an MIO of 3 cm with no peri- or postoperative complications. A review of the literature revealed limited reports of bilateral pediatric cases treated with custom prostheses.
ConclusionCustom-made TMJ prostheses offer a reliable and effective treatment option for complex ankylosis, including bilateral involvement in pediatric patients. This case highlights the role of patient-specific approaches in improving surgical precision, functional outcomes, and overall quality of life.