RECURRENCE OF TEMPOROMANDIBULAR JOINT ANKYLOSIS IN PEDIATRIC PATIENTS: A SINGLE-CENTER EXPERIENCE FROM PAKISTAN

Abstract

Objective: To determine the frequency of recurrence in Sawhney type 3 temporomandibular joint ankylosis treated with lateral gap arthroplasty in pediatric patients.

Methodology: A cross-sectional study was conducted at the Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery Department of Mardan Medical Complex from March to August 2022. A total of 238 patients diagnosed with Sawhney type III unilateral or bilateral temporomandibular joint (TMJ) ankylosis, aged 3–15 years and of either gender, were enrolled. All patients were treated using conservative lateral gap arthroplasty. The frequency of recurrence at 6 months, post-lateral gap arthroplasty in patients with Sawhney type III TMJ ankylosis was determined.

Results: Among 238 patients, there were 110 (46.1%) males and 128 (53.8%) females, with a mean age of 9.21±3.58 years. The recurrence rate of Sawhney type III temporomandibular joint ankylosis was reported to be 16.8%, with 40 of 238 patients presenting with recurrence at 6-month follow-up.

Conclusion: There is a moderately high frequency of recurrence (16.8%) found in the local pediatric population in Pakistan at 6 months post-procedure. Appropriate measures are needed to prevent recurrence of Sawhney type III temporomandibular joint ankylosis after conventional gap arthroplasty and to improve health outcomes.