Full-thickness skin graft interposition after temporomandibular joint ankylosis surgery - A study of 31 cases

Recurrence is a major problem after release of temporomandibular joint anky losis. Early physiotherapy and choice of interpositional material are impor tant in preventing recurrence. Currently, the most used technique is gap ar throplasty associated with coronoidectomy, temporalis muscle flap interposi tion and reconstruction of the condylar unit with a costochondral graft. Fu ll-thickness shin graft interposition, using the technique described by POP ESCU & VAILIU(12), can also be used. This retrospective review of 31 patien ts confirms the reliability of full-thickness skin graft interposition. Res ults were successful in 90% of the 20 patients with follow-up longer than o ne year.