Unpredictable growth pattern of costochondral graft.

Costochondral grafts have gained increasing popularity in reconstruction of the temporomandibular joint and condyle in children. This is a report on the long-term follow-up of eight adolescent patients who underwent reconstruction of the temporomandibular joint and ramus for correction of hemifacial microsomia or trauma-related temporomandibular joint ankylosis during varying periods of growth. Six patients had hemifacial microsomia, and two suffered from posttraumatic temporomandibular joint ankylosis. Average follow-up was 80.4 months. Four patients had excessive growth of the graft, one patient had suboptimal growth, and three patients had no growth. In addition, one patient had undergone four procedures for significant graft overgrowth. Based on this study and review of the literature, we have concluded that the growth pattern of the costochondral graft is extremely unpredictable, ankylosis is a common problem following a temporomandibular joint reconstruction with costochondral graft, and mandibular overgrowth on the grafted site can actually be more troublesome than the lack of growth. Furthermore, maxillary growth is proportionately influenced by vertical mandibular growth of the graft, while the horizontal maxillary growth is not altered. Ankylosis is a result of ossification of the cartilaginous portion and the three-dimensional graft overgrowth, aggressively extending beyond the cartilage graft boundary. Based on this study, we recommend that this procedure be performed only on severe deficiencies. Adequate amounts of soft tissue should be retained between the skull base and the graft, and we further recommend harvesting the graft from the fourth or fifth rib, which may reduce the potential for overgrowth.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)     

Bony ankylosis of the temporomandibular joint: follow-up of 70 patients treated with arthroplasty and acrylic spacer interposition

This paper presents the author's experience with interpositional arthroplasty using an acrylic cylinder in 70 cases of bony ankylosis of the temporomandibular joint. Ankylosis followed trauma in all but one patient. The diagnosis was established when restriction of mouth opening was associated with roentgenologic evidence of deformation of the condyle, obliteration of the joint space, and abnormal bone formation in and around the joint. The pathologic changes were classified into four types depending on severity, and each type influenced the treatment. Surgical treatment included creation of a transversely elliptical gap between the two bony components of the joint using a neurosurgical burr and perforator and a chisel through a preauricular approach and interposition of an acrylic cylinder. This maintained the gap, facilitated movement, and encouraged nonunion. The results following a long follow-up of 2 to 10 years showed uniformly good results with a range of mouth opening varying from 2 to 5 cm. Only three bilateral cases recurred and two others had a limited range of mouth opening, with interincisor distance varying from 2 to 2.5 cm.     

关节灌洗术联合透明质酸钠注射治疗颞下颌关节骨关节炎的疗效观察

目的:评价关节腔灌洗联合透明质酸钠注射治疗颞下颌关节骨关节炎(TMJOA)的疗效及安全性。方法:选取我院2014年5月-2015年5月收治颞下颌关节骨关节炎患者68例作为研究对象,根据入院时间先后顺序按照随机数字表法随机分为实验组和对照组各34例。所有患者在颞颌关节区域局麻下建立关节上腔的双通道灌洗系统,实验组用生理盐水反复冲洗关节腔后注射透明质酸钠,对照组只进行关节腔灌洗术,术后随访对比两组治疗前、治疗后4周、6个月时患者非辅助最大开口度、侧向运动幅度、咀嚼时疼痛感;同时采用酶联免疫吸附法(ELISA)测定两组治疗前、治疗后4周血清中白细胞介素6(IL-6)和肿瘤坏死因子α(TNF-α)水平并进行比较。结果:实验组患者治疗后4周、治疗后6个月时颞下颌关节最大张口度和侧向活动距离明显增大,而咀嚼时疼痛感明显减轻,且优于同期对照组,差异具有统计学意义(P0.05);实验组患者治疗后4周时血清IL-6、TNF-α水平较术前及同时期对照组均明显降低,差异具有统计学意义(P0.05)。结论:关节灌洗术联合透明质酸钠注射是治疗颞下颌关节骨关节炎的简单、安全有效治疗方法,治疗效果明显优于单纯关节腔灌洗,值得临床推广应用。     

Oral health status and temporomandibular disorders in multiple sclerosis patients

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is an inflammatory disease of unknown etiology involving the central nervous system. Certain clinical manifestations affect the oro-facial region. Three in particular should be of interest to the dentist: trigeminal neuralgia, sensory neuropathy of the trigeminal nerve and facial palsy. The aim of this study was to determine the oral health status, the frequency of subjective symptoms and temporomandibular disorders (TMD) subtype according to Research diagnostic criteria for temporomandibular disorders (RDC/TMD) among MS patients. Examinees in this study were 50 patients suffering from MS, who were at least once treated during their disease in the Clinic Hospital Center, Rijeka, Clinic for Neurology. All examinees had to meet the diagnostic criteria for clinically and laboratory confirmed MS, according to Poser. The results show the difference in mean DMFT (decayed, missing, filled teeth) between MS and the control group. The number of decayed and missing teeth was higher, but the number of filled teeth was significantly lower in MS group. Eighty-two per cent of the subjects with MS had a least one symptom of dysfunction compared with 24% of the subjects in the healthy control group. In the present study, pain, the pain during mouth opening, the difficulty with mouth opening and temporomandibular joint (TMJ) sounds were more commonly reported in the MS group than in the control group. This study shows a statistically significant excess of dental caries and temporomandibular disorders among MS patients compared with the control group. These results suggest that MS is a possible etiological factor in temporomandibular disorders.     

牵张成骨联合正颌正畸技术治疗颞下颌关节强直的效果分析

目的：探讨联合采用牵张成骨以及正颌正畸技术治疗颞下颌关节强直的效果。方法：选取我院收治的50 例颞下颌关节强直 继发小下颌畸形患者,根据不同的手术方式将其分为观察组以及对照组,对照组仅采取正颌正畸治疗,观察组一期通过关节成形 术解除关节强直,完成正畸治疗后,二期采用牵张成骨以及颏成形术矫治小下颌畸形伴随OSAHS,术后进行8-35 月的随访,评价 治疗效果。结果：观察组的牵张距离、颏前移距离以及术后张口度均明显大于对照组,且最大张口度均大于20 mm,平均最大张口 度由术前的3.2 mm增加至术后的36.7 mm,P<0.05,观察组术后能够恢复正常咬合关系和咀嚼功能,两组患者术后的平均睡眠紊 乱指数（AH1）、LAST、后气道间隙（PAS）以及SNB 角度比较有统计学差异,P<0.05,观察组术后患者的OSAHS 症状均得到显著 的改善,未出现OSAHS复发情况。结论：牵张成骨联合正颌正畸技术治疗颞下颌关节强直可以获得满意的效果,可以很好的矫治 牙额面畸形,且能够有效改善伴发的OSAHS 症状。     

Correction of extracapsular temporomandibular joint ankylosis with a cervical subcutaneous pedicle flap

A new method of correcting extracapsular temporomandibular joint ankylosis with a cervical subcutaneous pedicle flap is described. In this procedure, a cervical subcutaneous pedicle flap with or without platysma is introduced into the oral cavity through a tunnel to repair the defect after the buccal scar is excised and the normal oral opening is restored. Sixteen consecutive patients underwent the surgery, and good results were obtained.     

Airway obstruction and sleep apnea in children with craniofacial anomalies

Children with severe craniofacial anomalies and breathing problems are rare, and the accumulated experience of their treatment is limited. LeFort III midface advancements have been tried by many craniofacial teams, but no consensus has yet been reached as to the effectiveness of this procedure. In this report of seven patients with craniofacial malformations and severe breathing problems, three had a LeFort II midface advancement, one had release of bilateral temporomandibular joint ankylosis, and two had tonsillectomies. Two patients without a tracheostomy suffocated, four had a long-term tracheostomy, and one was cured by a unilateral tonsillectomy. It was concluded that LeFort III midface advancement is ineffective in these types of cases without a very stable postoperative retention, and it was suggested that all patients with severe craniofacial anomalies and breathing problems, regardless of their planned subsequent treatment, should have a tracheostomy as an initial measure.     

Some paleopathological cases of the ancient Anatolian mandibles

This paper deals with four cases of temporomandibular arthritis encountered in the mandibles of individuals who lived in Anatolia during protohistorical and historical times. Among these cases, are two mandibular condyles belonging to the Neolithic period and one mandibular condyle belonging to the Chalcolithic period showing an osteo-arthritic lesion. While in the temporomandibular joint of the individual belonging to Middle Bronze Age, arthritic double condyles is shown resulting in ankylosis.     

Treatment of mandible fractures using low-profile titanium miniplates: preliminary study.

This study evaluated the short-term results of patients treated with low-profile titanium miniplates for fractures of the mandible. Thirty-one fractures of the mandible in 23 patients were treated by open reduction and internal fixation using thin, low-profile miniplates and 1.3-mm self-threading screws. Duration of intermaxillary fixation ranged from 0 to 25 days. Patients were evaluated for complications during a follow-up period ranging from 6 to 24 months. Seven patients (30.4 percent) experienced complications. These included infection (n = 1), premature occlusal contact (n = 1), wound dehiscence (n = 1), temporomandibular joint disorder (n = 1), and paresthesia (n = 3). All complications were minor and adequately managed with incision and drainage, medication, and elastic traction. Low-profile titanium miniplates can be adequately used for internal fixation in selective mandibular fractures. Advantages of these types of plates include comfort due to the thinness of miniplates and ease of application.     

Free perichondrial grafting in the treatment of temporomandibular joint ankylosis. Preliminary report

We have operated on 6 cases of temporomandibular joint ankylosis, resecting a small amount of bone to create a false joint and then covering the two joint surfaces with sheets of perichondrium (autogenous, from the ribs). The perichondrium forms new cartilage on the joint surfaces, and the early results are encouraging. Only one of these cases was operated upon more than one year ago. He has an excellent result and this case is reported on in detail.     

A Review of the Prevalence of Temporomandibular Dysfunction

The prevalence of five representative signs and symptoms of temporomandibular pain and dysfunction were evaluated with respect to the age of several different populations. For each of the five signs and symptoms (mouth opening, joint noises, presence of degenerative joint disease, subjectively reported symptoms, and pain on function) no increase was found in the older age group over the middle-age group. In one category (joint sounds), the prevalence decreased in the older age group when compared to the middle-age group. When asked by questionnaire if there was pain on function, the oldest age groups had the lowest proportion of positive responses. As a result of this information it is suggested that the prevalence of temporomandibular disorders diminishes in the elderly population, although not as much as the very few numbers of elderly actually seeking treatment for this disease would suggest.     

Mandibular distraction in temporomandibular joint ankylosis

Condylar damage during childhood can produce ankylosis and alteration of the mandibular growth. In case of unilateral ankylosis occurring in early childhood, a mandibular hypoplasia of the affected side may develop. The patients have limitation of mouth opening, facial asymmetry, and chin deviation toward the affected side. The aims of this study are to show the use of distraction osteogenesis in mandibular hypoplasia associated with ankylosis and to present our experience with a new therapeutic option for the treatment of mandibular hypoplasia with unilateral ankylosis in the childhood consisting of the association of arthroplasty to treat the ankylosis and mandibular distraction to correct the facial asymmetry, both accomplished in the same surgical procedure. From November of 1996 to November of 1997, three male patients aged 2, 7, and 13 years with mandibular hypoplasia and ankylosis were treated by distraction osteogenesis. An arthroplasty consisting of the resection of the ankylotic block and interposition of a temporalis muscle flap, plus coronoidectomy was done in two of them and mandibular distraction was done in all three patients. Articular functional rehabilitation began on the first postoperative day. Mandibular distraction began on the fifth postoperative day with a rate of 1 mm per day, ending when the facial symmetry was achieved. From the first postoperative day, an increase in the mouth opening was achieved; this increase continued until ending the distraction. The average duration of distraction was 22 days. Average duration of consolidation was 6 weeks. Oral opening increased from 10 mm to 35 mm in the 7-year-old patient, from 9 mm to 27 mm in the 2-year-old patient, and from 14 mm to 38 mm in the 13-year-old patient. To date, oral opening and facial symmetry persist. Osseous mandibular distraction together with arthroplasty offers an excellent new alternative for treatment of patients with mandibular hypoplasia and associated ankylosis, with minimal morbidity and complications.     

口腔内入路行髁突高位骨折复位固定的临床效果

目的：探讨采用口腔内入路手术复位固定方法治疗下颌骨髁突颈骨折患者的临床效果。方法：将我院收治的20例下颌骨髁突颈骨折患者均使用口腔内入路手术复位固定方法治疗,将患者的骨折片与升支后缘骨块进行手术复位固定,并于原手术切口行回植,重建患者的下颌关节。结果：治疗后咬合关系异常者1例,开口范围限制者0例,关节疼痛者1例,均少于治疗前均为20例;治疗后关节间隙缩小者1例,髁突骨折块形状异常者1例,均少于治疗前均为20例。治疗后髁突稳定者19例,多于治疗前的1例。结论：髁突骨折治疗手术各有优缺点,采用口腔内入路手术复位固定方法治疗髁突高位骨折患者,虽然手术操作难度大,但能较好地克服了术后患者外部皮肤瘢痕明显的问题,有利于保护患者面部神经,提高患者治疗质量水平,值得临床上推广与进一步研究。     

切开复位钢板内固定及闭合复位外固定架固定治疗不稳定型桡骨远端骨折患者的比较研究

目的:比较切开复位钢板内固定及闭合复位外固定架固定治疗不稳定型桡骨远端骨折的临床疗效,为临床治疗方式的选择提供参考。方法:选择2014年1月至2016年1月间于我院骨科就诊的桡骨远端骨折患者102例作为研究对象。按患者的治疗方式分为内固定组(n=52)和外固定组(n=50)。内固定组患者采用切开复位钢板内固定进行治疗,外固定组患者采用闭合复位外固定架固定进行治疗。术后3个月及术后1年通过影像学测量两组患者的关节面台阶、掌倾角和尺偏角,同时测量患者腕部功能情况。随访1年,比较两组患者疗效,并观察患者并发症发生情况。结果:术后3个月及术后1年,内固定组患者关节面台阶、掌倾角和尺偏角均低于外固定组患者,差异均具有统计学意义(P0.05)。术后3个月,内固定组的旋前旋后活动度、屈伸活动度、桡尺偏活动度、捏力、握力均明显高于外固定组(P0.05),但两组的上述指标在术后1年比较无统计学差异(P0.05)。内固定组患者治疗有效率为86.54%,外固定组患者治疗有效率为86.00%,差异无统计学意义(P0.05)。内固定组并发症发生率为15.38%,外固定组并发症发生率为18.00%,差异无统计学意义(P0.05)。结论:与闭合复位外固定架固定相比,切开复位钢板内固定治疗对患者关节面台阶、掌倾角和尺偏角的恢复效果较好,同时患者能及早进行腕部功能锻炼,近期疗效更加明显。     

Distraction osteogenesis in correction of micrognathia accompanying obstructive sleep apnea syndrome

To evaluate the effect of distraction osteogenesis in correction of micrognathia accompanying obstructive sleep apnea syndrome, a total of 28 patients with different severities of obstructive sleep apnea syndrome underwent mandibular distraction osteogenesis. A total of 51 distraction devices were placed for bilateral distraction in 23 patients and for unilateral distraction in five patients. The mean age of patients was 21.2 years (range, 3 to 60 years). Eleven patients had micrognathia accompanying obstructive sleep apnea syndrome secondary to bilateral temporomandibular joint ankylosis, and 10 patients had micrognathia accompanying obstructive sleep apnea syndrome secondary to unilateral temporomandibular joint ankylosis. Three patients had developmental micrognathia accompanying obstructive sleep apnea syndrome. The other four patients had micrognathia and concomitant obstructive sleep apnea syndrome induced by trauma, infection, or tumor resection. Each patient had been evaluated preoperatively and postoperatively with cephalometry and polysomnography. Mandible advancement ranged from 9 to 30 mm (average, 20.4 mm) and was successfully achieved after distraction. Fine new bone formed in the distraction gap when the distraction devices were removed 3 to 4 months after distraction was completed. No infection or other complications occurred in any patients. Complete curative effects were achieved in nine severe, six moderate, and eight mild obstructive sleep apnea syndrome patients after distraction, and the other five patients had been improved to the mild level. After distraction was completed, the posterior airway space was increased on average from 4.6 mm to 12.5 mm and the sella-nasion-point B angle was increased on average from 66 degrees to 75 degrees on cephalometric studies. The polysomnographic examination showed that the apnea hypopnea index was lowered on average from 58.0 to 3.15, and the lowest oxygen saturation was increased on average from 77 percent to 90.3 percent after distraction was completed. The follow-up period was 3 to 61 months (average, 18.1 months). The curative effect was stable and no relapse occurred. Therefore, the authors conclude that mandibular distraction osteogenesis is an effective method for correcting micrognathia accompanying obstructive sleep apnea syndrome. Compared with other current routine surgical procedures, it has many advantages, such as low risk, simple manipulation, high curative rate, low relapse rate, and stable result. It is presently the most effective method for the treatment of this difficult and complicated disorder.     

TNF Accelerates Death of Mandibular Condyle Chondrocytes in Rats with Biomechanical Stimulation-Induced Temporomandibular Joint Disease

Objective

To determine if temporomandibular joint chondrocyte apoptosis is induced in rats with dental biomechanical stimulation and what a role TNF takes.

Methods

Thirty-two rats were divided into 4 groups (n = 8/group) and exposed to incisor mal-occlusion induced by unilateral anterior crossbite biomechanical stimulation. Two groups were sampled at 2 or 4 weeks. The other two groups were treated with local injections of a TNF inhibitor or PBS into the temporomandibular joints area at 2 weeks and then sampled at 4 weeks. Twenty-four rats either served as unilateral anterior crossbite mock operation controls (n = 8/group) with sampling at 2 or 4 weeks or received a local injection of the TNF inhibitor at 2 weeks with sampling at 4 weeks. Chondrocytes were isolated from the temporomandibular joints of 6 additional rats and treated with TNF in vitro. Joint samples were assessed using Hematoxylin&eosin, Safranin O, TUNEL and immunohistochemistry staining, real-time PCR, fluorogenic activity assays and Western blot analyses. The isolated chondrocytes were also analyzed by flow cytometry.

Results

Unilateral anterior crossbite stimulation led to temporomandibular joint cartilage degradation, associated with an increase in TUNEL-positive chondrocytes number, caspase-9 expression levels, and the release of cytochrome c from mitochondria at 2 weeks without changes in TNF and caspase-8 levels until after 4 weeks. TNF stimulated apoptosis of the isolated chondrocytes and up-regulated caspase-8 expression, but did not change caspase-9 expression levels. Local injection of TNF inhibitor down-regulated caspase-8 expression and reduced TUNEL-positive cell number, but did not reverse cartilage thickness reduction, caspase-9 up-regulation or cytochrome c release.

Conclusions

Unilateral anterior crossbite stimulation induces mitochondrion-mediated apoptosis of articular chondrocytes. TNF accelerated the unilateral anterior crossbite induced chondrocytes apoptosis via death-receptor pathway. However, anti-TNF therapy does not prevent cartilage loss in this model of temporomandibular joint.     

Age-related osteo-arthrotic degeneration of the temporomandibular joint in the mouse

The light-microscopic and ultrastructural characteristics of the temporomandibular joints (TMJs) of female STR/IN mice, aged from 3 to 12 months, were studied. Every TMJ of an adult mouse starts to degenerate in early adulthood and subsequently suffers from osteo-arthrosis. Ageing of the TMJ is characterized by thinning out of its cartilaginous components. The chondrocytes are no longer distributed regularly in the ground substance but form clusters. Cracks and fissures invade the condylar cartilage and lead to the formation of cartilage islands, which finally become loose as free bodies in the lower joint chamber and joint capsule. The lower joint chamber diminishes, but no ankylosis is observed. Ultrastructurally, the number of vesicles around the degenerated chondrocytes increases. Aged chondrocytes contain more lysosomes. The condylar surface becomes irregular and reveals microscars. Its surface is covered by an electron-dense fine granular material, considered to be built up by proteoglycans. Compared to the male ICR mouse, the osteo-arthrotic destruction of the cartilage, the subchondral sclerosis and the deformation of the underlying bone exhibit only minor states in the female STR/IN mouse. Concerning the aetiology and pathogenesis, the very early degeneration of the mostly unloaded TMJ seems to be based on a genetically altered composition of the articular cartilage, possibly due to failing articular chondrocyte responses to stimuli connected with degeneration and repair.     

Mandibular retrusion, temporomandibular joint derangement, and orthognathic surgery planning.

One-hundred consecutive orthognathic surgery candidates with mandibular retrusion were selected for retrospective analysis. Patients had undergone imaging studies that included magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of both temporomandibular joints to assess the presence or absence, stage, and activity of suspected internal derangement(s). Patients were divided into stable and unstable deformity groups based on the presence or absence of change in their facial contour and/or occlusal disturbances in the 24 months prior to evaluation. Each of the 58 unstable and 30 of 42 stable patients were found to have internal derangements of at least one temporomandibular joint. The degree of joint degeneration directly paralleled the severity of retrognathia in most cases. We concluded that temporomandibular joint internal derangement is common in cases of mandibular retrusion and leads to the facial morphology in a high percentage of patients. Preoperative temporomandibular joint imaging with MRI is recommended prior to orthognathic surgical correction of retrognathic deformities.