Treatment of Temporomandibular Joint (TMJ) Reankylosis with Preservation of the TMJ Prosthesis and Use of Fat Graft: A Case Report and Review of the Literature

Abstract

We report on a case of TMJ reankylosis (heterotopic bone) following total TMJ alloplastic reconstruction in a 40-year-old Black male. The heterotopic bone was excised following removal of the fossa component. The fossa component was re-inserted, and the periarticular tissue was grafted with fat procured from the abdomen. Patient was placed on an aggressive physiotherapy programme which was monitored for a period of 6 months. He returned for review one year later with a mouth opening of 27 mm. We present also a short review of the literature on heterotopic bone formation. This case is of particular interest in that despite the heterotopic bone around it; the prosthesis was preserved after the bone was removed.