Bilateral temporomandibular joint ankylosis: a rare radiographic presentation

Temporomandibular joint (TMJ) ankylosis is a disabling condition of mastication. Hypomobility affects the surrounding structures as well as the function of digestion, speech, appearance and hygiene. The condition also has an impact on the psychological development of the patient. It results from trauma, infection and inadequate surgical treatment of the condylar fracture area. Trauma is the most important etiologic factor in causing TMJ ankylosis often resulting in haematoma, which eventually organizes and ossifies. With this background we report a case of bilateral TMJ ankylosis in 35 year old male patient who came with a chief complaint of pain in his lower right back tooth region and restricted mouth opening. The patient reported with history of road traffic accident resulted in trauma to the face. Patient was treated previously for mandibular angle fracture 20 years back. The clinical features and radiographic investigations confirmed the diagnosis as TMJ ankylosis. Surgical treatment was proposed through condylectomy with interpositional gap arthroplasty. Thus, in the present case, TMJ ankylosis may have been developed as a sequel of the mandibular fractures and inadequate surgical treatment of the condylary area.