Temporomandibular Joint Ankylosis Pattern, Causes and Management among a Sample of Sudanese Children

Background: Temporomandibular joint ankylosis is the fusion of mandibular condyle to the glenoid fossa, which causes distressing conditions. It may be due to trauma or infection. The aim of this study is to determine the frequency of TMJ Ankylosis in Khartoum teaching dental hospital among children. Materials and methods: A retrospective cross sectional study for 48 patients (32 male, 16 female) aged 0-18 years old. Data were collected from patients records registered from January 2009 to April 2015. Results: Males were more affected than females, the most affected age group was 7-12 years old, bilateral ankylosis more common than unilateral, intra capsular ankylosis is the most common type, and micrognathia is the most common deformity. 41 patients received treatment, coronoidectomy with condylectomy and physiotherapy is the most preferable treatment method. Also Condylectomy + Gap arthroplasty + Physiotherapy and Gap arthroplasty + Coronoidectomy + Physiotherapy were used. In some cases physiotherapy overcome the ankylosis, and only 7 patients didn’t receive any type of treatment. Conclusion: The prevalence of TMJ ankylosis among children was high; the most common causes were trauma and infection, whereas most of patients came with intracapsular type ankylosis in children leads to facial deformities. Improvement of awareness regarding condyle fracture is required.