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Purpose: Several animal models of temporomandibular joint ankylosis (TMJA) have been described for more than the past 2 decades. The aim of this study was 2-fold: 1) to compile and summarize the evidence of animal studies that compare different forms to induce, treat (disease already established), or prevent (after trauma) TMJA; and 2) to address the following focused question: what is the quality of reporting in these studies?, Materials and Methods: A systematic review was conducted. Animal studies conducted up to October 2019 comparing at least 2 procedures to induce, treat (disease already established), or prevent (after trauma) TMJA were considered. Compliance with the Animal Research Reporting In Vivo Experiments guidelines was checked for all studies. Studies evaluating treatment of TMJA or preventive measures also were evaluated using the SYstematic Review Center for Laboratory animal Experimentation's risk of bias tool for animal studies., Results: A total of 24 studies were included. The studies were evaluated for feasibility regarding data synthesis, and a meta-analysis was not suitable because of methodological differences, mainly regarding the animal model chosen and surgical procedures performed to induce TMJA. In 17 articles, authors aimed to investigate different procedures to induce TMJA (fibrous, fibro-osseous, or bony). In 7 articles, different treatment or preventive strategies were compared. The sheep was the most used animal in models of TMJA. Only 25% (6 of 24) of studies reported some step to minimize bias (ie, blinding of investigators, randomization procedures, or allocation concealment). Approximately 54% (13 of 24) of articles clearly commented on study limitations and potential sources of bias. Further animal studies on TMJA should consider improving their reporting standards to increase their validity and improve the reproducibility of animal experiments., (Copyright © 2020 American Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

In pediatric patients with mandible fractures and concomitant cervical spine injury (CSI), treatment strategies may occasionally compete: condylar fractures require functional therapy with range of motion exercises of the temporomandibular joint (TMJ), while CSI requires neck immobilization. The authors report the case of a child presenting with bilateral condylar head fractures, a right parasymphyseal fracture, and concomitant CSI treated with cervical collar immobilization, who ultimately developed TMJ ankylosis. Here, the authors review mandibular condylar fracture management and suggest an approach for the pediatric patient presenting with condylar fractures and concomitant CSI requiring immobilization. To preserve range of motion at the TMJ, it is critical to prevent external restriction by prolonged cervical collar use. Instead, these patients benefit from a protocol utilizing conventional halo or noninvasive, pinless halo cervical spine stabilization. Without limitation of the TMJ, condylar fracture rehabilitation and healing may proceed unhindered.

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is associated with local and systemic inflammation that induces many changes in the skeletal health. Locally, periarticular bone loss and juxta-articular bone erosions may occur while joint ankylosis, generalized bone loss, osteoporosis, and fractures may develop secondary to inflammation. The aim of this narrative review is to summarize the clinical evidence for abnormal skeletal health in RA, the effects of disease modifying anti-rheumatic drugs (DMARDS) on bone health, and the effects of drugs for the prevention or treatment of osteoporosis in the RA population.

Mandibular distraction for severe micrognathia in syndromic patients often leads to temporomandibular joint (TMJ) ankylosis, which requires further interventions to regain joint motion. The increased incidence of postdistraction ankylosis is likely related to increased prevalence of preoperative joint pathology in syndromic micrognathic patients. Previous studies have demonstrated that offloading the pressure on the condyle during the distraction process can prevent such TMJ pathology. In this article, the authors describe a successful new method for offloading the condyle to prevent postdistraction ankylosis using an external TMJ offloading device.

Management of condylar head fractures (CHF) of the temporomandibular joint (TMJ) remains a source of controversy. Based on established literature, group of CHFs and conservative treatment connected with period of maxillomandibular fixation (MMF) increases the risk for TMJ ankylosis. This paper presents anatomical and functional results of surgical treatment of condylar head fractures in a group of 24 patients (29 joints). Fractures were diagnosed based on conventional radiographs and computed tomography (CT) scans. Utilising an intraoperative arthroscopy authors evaluated actual intraarticular posttraumatic changes. This study presents acceptable functional and radiological results of surgical treatment of condylar head fractures with more than 3-year follow-up. The authors believe that re-establishing the pretraumatic anatomic position of the TMJ components (fragment and the disc) and early postoperative rehabilitation are inevitable to minimize the risk of postraumatic TMJ ankylosis (Tab. 2, Fig. 8, Ref. 31).

Background: Neurogenic Myositis Ossificans (NMO) is a rare disabling pathology characterized by peri-articular heterotopic ossifications following severe peripheral or central nervous system injuries. It results in ankylosis and vessels or nerves compressions. Our study aimed to describe the pre-operative findings of patients with NMO of the hip using biphasic computerized tomography (CT)., Methods: Between 2006 and 2012, we retrospectively analyzed 101 consecutive patients with hip NMO. We analyzed all CTs and surgical reports following a standardized grid depicting the osteoma and its relations with joint capsule, vessels and nerves and bone mineralization. We studied surgical complications and recurrence during follow-up. Chi2-test and Fischer's test were performed to compare qualitative values with respectively normal and non-normal distribution. Quantitative values were analyzed with a one factor analysis of variance (ANOVA) test. Agreement between pre-surgical CT and surgical observations was evaluated with Cohen's kappa test., Results: Correlation between pre-operative CT and surgical findings was excellent regarding relationships with vessels (0,82) and was good concerning relationships with sciatic nerves (0.62) and with joint capsule (0.68). Close contact or disruption of joint capsule (p = 0.005), joint space narrowing (p = 0.007) and bone demineralization (p < 0.001) were correlated with NMO recurrence., Conclusions: Biphasic enhanced-CT allows pre-operative assessment of NMO with good correlation to surgical observations and helps prevent surgical complications.

Introduction: Superolateral disclocations of the temporomandibular joint are rare. They mostly occur after high-energy trauma and are frequently associated with fractures of the mandibular body., Case Report: A 35-year-old man was admitted for the management of a high-energy craniofacial trauma due to a road accident. The initial assessment revealed bilateral superolateral temporomandibular joint disclocations, with bilateral sagittal fractures of the condyle head and a fracture of the right parasymphysis. The treatment consisted in an external reduction of both condyles, followed by open reduction and internal fixation of the parasymphysis. The patient quickly started physiotherapy after the procedure and recovered a normal mouth opening after a month of follow-up., Discussion: For most authors, a quick management of superolateral dislocations is necessary in order to achieve a proper reduction of the temporomandibular joint dislocation and avoid surgical reduction. Temporomandibular joint ankylosis is the main complication of such lesions. Early physiotherapy is indicated in order to prevent ankylosis., (Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Masson SAS. All rights reserved.)

Ankylosis is a major pathological manifestation of spondyloarthropathy. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of anti-IL-17 therapy on spontaneous ankylosing enthesitis in mice. In this study, we used male DBA/1 mice as a spontaneous ankylosis model. Serum IL-17 concentrations were determined using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Male DBA/1 mice from different litters were mixed and caged together preceding the treatment at 10 weeks (wk) of age (prophylaxis) or 21 wk of age (intervention). Treatment with anti-IL-17 antibodies or saline was initiated after caging in groups of mice and administered weekly. The onset of tarsal ankylosis was assessed by ankle swelling and histopathological examination. Pathological changes and mRNA expression levels were assessed in joints and ears obtained at the experimental end-point. We found that circulating IL-17 increased with the onset of ankylosis in male DBA/1 mice, coinciding with the onset of dermatitis. The symptoms of dermatitis corresponded to the pathological characteristics of psoriasis: acanthosis with mild hyperkeratosis, scaling, epidermal microabscess formation and augmented expression of K16, S100A8 and S100A9. Prophylactic administration of anti-IL-17 antibodies significantly prevented the development of both ankylosis and dermatitis in male DBA/1 mice caged together. On the other hand, administration of anti-IL-17 antibodies after disease onset had a lesser but significant effect on ankylosis progression but did not affect dermatitis progression. In conclusion, IL-17 is a key mediator in the pathogenic process of tarsal ankylosis and psoriasis-like dermatitis in male DBA/1 mice caged together. Thus, IL-17 is a potential therapeutic target in ankylosing enthesitis and psoriasis in humans.

Purpose: The aim of the study was to evaluate the efficacy of temporalis muscle-fascia graft, fresh and cryopreserved human amniotic membrane as an interpositional material in preventing temporomandibular joint ankylosis in a rabbit model., Materials and Methods: In this experimental study, 21 New Zealand white rabbits were used. The condyle and the joint disc were removed to induce ankylosis in left TMJs. Reconstruction was immediately performed with temporalis muscle-fascia graft (tMFG) in group I (n = 7), fresh human amniotic membrane (fHAM) in group II (n = 7) and cryopreserved human amniotic membrane (cHAM) in group III (n = 7). All rabbits were sacrificed at 3 months after the operation. The comparison was made among three groups by means of vertical mouth opening and weight measurements, radiologic and histologic findings obtained before and after surgery., Results: In all rabbits, there was no statistically significant difference in the jaw movements and weight among groups at commencement and 3 months after surgery. The condylar surfaces were more irregular in HAM groups. There were mild osteophyte formations, sclerosis, fibrosis and calcification around the condyle in all groups however the joint gap was more preserved in group I. All interpositional materials were also seen to be partially present in the joint gap at 3 months. Ankylosis was not seen in the joint gap in any group., Conclusion: With the results of this study it was concluded that interpositional arthroplasty with HAM and tMFG have an almost similar effect in preventing TMJ ankylosis after discectomy in the rabbit model., (Copyright © 2014 European Association for Cranio-Maxillo-Facial Surgery. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.)

The management of patients with the triad of temporomandibular joint (TMJ) ankylosis, micrognathia and obstructive sleep apnea syndrome is challenging for the oral and maxillofacial surgeon because it involves achieving the desired oral opening, correction of micrognathia, and correction of the obstructed airway. Seven of the authors' triad patients, in whom only the release of ankylosis was performed, developed bradycardia and respiratory distress during postoperative jaw physiotherapy, leading to their non-compliance for active jaw physiotherapy and subsequent reankylosis. This paper suggests a new surgical protocol for the management of patients with the triad, to achieve correction of the obstructed airway, relief of the respiratory distress symptoms, correction of micrognathia and restricted mouth opening. It also provides a logical reason for the occurrence of bradycardia following ankylosis release and its potential role in TMJ reankylosis. It emphasizes that the occurrence of bradycardia in triad patients during jaw exercises is dictated by the severity of their apnea-hypopnea index and the degree of narrowing of their posterior airway space. The recognition and prevention of this by the new protocol is discussed in 7 patients., (Copyright © 2012 International Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.)

The aim of this article is to describe the care of a patient with fibrodysplasia ossificans progressiva (FOP) and to provide dentists with a guide for how to safely care for patients with FOP. Treatment improved the patient's limited mouth opening. FOP is a rare autosomal dominant disorder characterized by congenital malformation of the fingers and toes by heterotopic ossification progressiva of the connective tissue. This ossification causes a limitation in osteoradicular mobility, mainly affecting the spine, shoulders, hips, and peripheral joints. The disease can manifest from pregnancy until adulthood, with no greater prevalence associated with race or gender. Although rare, the disease can be easily identified by its clinical features, and diagnosis can be confirmed by a radiographic examination. There is no known effective treatment for this disease. All therapeutic treatment must be conservative to avoid any condition that may cause heterotopic ossification. Guidelines to prevent new ossifications are important for patients with FOP. Dental professionals should be cautious in planning treatment, avoiding anesthesia, especially in the mandible, to prevent ankylosis of the temporo-mandibular joints. The prevention of dental caries is essential to avoid the need for more invasive treatment., (© 2011 Special Care Dentistry Association and Wiley Periodicals, Inc.)

The histological fate of abdominal dermis-fat grafts implanted into the temporomandibular joint (TMJ) following condylectomy was studied. 21 rabbits underwent left TMJ discectomies and condylectomies; 6 were controls (Group A; no graft used); 15 (Group B) had autogenous abdominal grafts transplanted into the left TMJ. Animals were killed after 4, 12 and 20 weeks. Specimens of the TMJ were histologically and histomorphometrically evaluated. At 4 weeks, fat necrosis was clear in all specimens. The dermis component survived and formed cysts with no necrosis. By 12 weeks, viable fat deposits appeared with no evidence of necrotic fat. At 20 weeks, large amounts of viable fat were present in Group B specimens. Group A had no fat, although the missing condyles regenerated. In the presence of viable fat, Group B showed little condyle regeneration 20 weeks after condylectomy. Non-vascularised fat grafts do not survive transplantation, but stimulate neoadipogenesis. The fate of the dermis component of the graft is independent of the fat component. Fat in the joint space disrupts the regeneration of a new condylar head. Neoadipogensis inhibits growth of new bone and cartilage. This has clinical implications for TMJ ankylosis management and preventing heterotopic bone formation around prosthetic joints., (Crown Copyright © 2010. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.)

This report reviews the diagnosis, treatment and follow-up of 15 Chinese patients with tuberculous sacroiliitis (TBS) from 1997 to 2007. Buttock pain and lower back pain were the main complaints. All patients received antituberculosis chemotherapy treatment for at least 18 months; 10 also underwent surgery, with seven undergoing modified Smith-Petersen arthrodesis (evaluated using a visual analogue scale [VAS] for pain and the Oswestry Disability Index [ODI]). No simplex tuberculous synovitis existed at diagnosis. Bone-marrow oedema, cold abscess and soft-tissue oedema responded to antituberculosis treatment. Thirteen patients (86.7%) had satisfactory outcomes. There were also significant improvements in VAS and ODI scores post-operatively. In the chemotherapy plus surgery group, eight patients had solid bony fusions at 24 months post-operatively, while the five on chemotherapy alone presented with fibrous ankylosis at 24 months. Chemotherapy is the main treatment for TBS and modified arthrodesis is a feasible and effective method for treating severe joint destruction.

Ankylosing spondylitis is characterised by inflammation of the spine and the entheses followed by bone formation. Excessive bone formation in ankylosing spondylitis leads to the formation of bone spurs, such as syndesmophytes and enthesiophytes, which contribute to ankylosis of joints and poor physical function. This process is based on increased differentiation of osteoblasts from their mesenchymal precursors, which allows to rapidly build up new bone. Prostaglandins, bone morphogenic proteins and Wnt proteins play an essential role in this process. By contrast, tumour necrosis factor (TNF) does not appear to be the direct trigger for osteophyte formation in ankylosing spondylitis. The article reviews the current knowledge regarding the mechanisms and clinical role of ankylosis and explains strategies on how to prevent it in patients with ankylosing spondylitis., (Crown Copyright 2010. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.)

The technique for anterior cervical arthroplasty using the PRESTIGE LP (Medtronic Sofamor Danek, Memphis, TN) cervical disc is illustrated. Surgical positioning and the operative approach are demonstrated. Our methods of retractor placement and surgical exposure are discussed. The technique used for decompression and endplate preparation is presented in detail. Optimal arthroplasty device positioning is demonstrated. The surgical pearls and pitfalls of anterior cervical arthroplasty are highlighted.

Objective: The aim of this study was to determine the response of the residual epithelial network following traumatic breakdown of the periodontal ligament (PDL)., Methods: Mandibular incisor sections with PDL (experimental) and sections denuded of PDL (control) from 4- to 6-week-old Wistar-Furth rats were transplanted into the defects created in the frontal bone of the recipient syngeneic rats. At intervals, the defects with implanted teeth roots were collected and processed for histological and biochemical examination. Immunolocalization of epithelial cells was performed to monitor their phenotypic changes during transplantation healing period., Results: (1) Histological observation of the experimental sample revealed the sequence of cellular response characterized by an initial degeneration of PDL followed by a proliferation of granulation tissue. There was also a marked odontoblastic reaction with extensive deposition of regular dentine within the pulp chambers. In the control group, initial signs of bony fusion with dentine led to an extensive ankylosis and bone replacement between roots and defects. (2) Immunostaining indicated that, in experimental groups, the pattern of regularly spaced epithelial cells lying in close approximation to the root surface was distinct 10 days post-transplantation but became diminished afterwards. The immunoreaction against epithelial cells was negative in the control., Conclusion: Residual PDL is essential to prevent ankylosis after trauma and epithelial cells may facilitate the re-establishment of root-PDL-bone complex by transforming into mesenchymal cells.

High-energy tibial plateau fractures are often the result of blunt trauma and are associated with severe soft-tissue injury. Fixation techniques demand considerable surgical skill and mature judgment. The available surgical options do not always guarantee a favourable outcome. Operative treatment includes internal and external fixation, hybrid fixation and arthroscopically assisted techniques. Operative management of high-energy fractures remains difficult and challenging and may be associated with serious complications, such as knee stiffness, ankylosis, deep infection, post-traumatic arthritis, malunion and nonunion. Prevention of the complications can optimise the clinical outcome in these patients.

The potential role of disc repositioning in preventing postsurgical recurrence of traumatogenic temporomandibular joint (TMJ) ankylosis was investigated. Seventeen cases of traumatogenic TMJ ankylosis underwent disc repositioning during arthroplasty. During surgery, the dislocated disc was carefully dissected outside the ankylotic TMJ and repositioned over the top of the condylar stump, and then sutured to the soft tissue of the zygomatic root. In the 22 ankylotic TMJs of the 17 patients, dislocated discs were found in front of the ankylotic TMJ, behind the ankylotic TMJ or between the ramus and fossa. At the last follow-up (longer than 1 year) examination, interincisal opening distances ranged from 24 to 43 mm (mean 32.86 mm). No recurrence and TMJ symptoms were found during the period of follow-up. Disc repositioning in the treatment of traumatogenic TMJ ankylosis proves to be a feasible and effective method of preventing recurrence of this condition.

Objective: We examined the effect of the pretreatment of roots with alendronate on the restoration of the support function of the healing periodontal ligament in replanted rat molars., Methods: The left maxillary first molars were extracted, placed in 0.9% NaCl containing 1 mm alendronate (alendronate group) or 0.9% NaCl (control group) for 5 min, and were replanted into their sockets. Groups of animals were killed at 7, 14, and 21 days after replantation. Normal control rats were also killed on the same days. The force required to extract the replanted or normal tooth from its socket was measured, and a load-deformation curve was developed and analyzed. Micro-computed tomography and histologic analyses were also made., Results: The mechanical properties of the healing periodontal ligament in the alendronate group were gradually restored from 7 to 21 days. However, fractures of the roots and bones during mechanical testing occurred in most of the replanted teeth in the control group at 21 days. The rates of restoration of the mechanical strength, extensibility, stiffness, and toughness for the alendronate group at 21 days were 67, 98, 74, and 68% of the normal controls, respectively. Micro-computed tomography and histologic observations revealed that bone-like structures within the pulp and ankylosis between the roots and socket bones occurred commonly in the control group, but were uncommon in the alendronate group., Conclusions: Our findings suggest that the pretreatment with alendronate inhibits the formation of abnormal mineralized tissues and results in better restoration of the support function of the healing periodontal ligament in replanted teeth., ((c)Blackwell Munksgaard 2004)

The aims of and indications for temporomandibular joint (TMJ) reconstruction are well-established but the method of reconstruction is controversial. We describe a retrospective, two-centre audit of 49 patients treated with costochondral grafting and 50 patients treated with alloplastic joints. The characteristics of the patients were similar in both centres and the minimum follow-up period was 2 years. For each patient a number of variables were recorded including both subjective scores (pain and interference with eating) and objective data (interincisal distance). Patients in both groups showed an improvement in symptoms but more patients required reoperation in the autogenous group.

Background: The healing process of autotransplantation puts 2 different tissues in competition: the ligament on the root surface and the bone tissue of the alveolus. This study shows the effects of a protocol with 2 surgical stages, which promote ligament repair, inhibit adhesion between bone and dental root, and reduce the occurrence of the ankylosis-root resorption phenomenon., Methods: Forty-three patients, 33 to 73 years old, received 47 transplantations of mature teeth (including retained teeth) during a 5-year period. During the first surgical step, the transplanted tooth is extracted, measured, immediately replaced in its origin site, and maintained with an original suture technique. The alveolus to which the tooth will be transplanted is adapted after extraction of the periodontally compromised tooth. The second surgery occurs at day 14, when regeneration of periodontal ligament (PDL) is at a maximum (first stimulation). The tooth is transplanted in its new alveolus and retained using the same suture technique to avoid a rigid splint and to create mechanical stimulation of the PDL (second stimulation)., Results: The results were 95.75% positive with normal PDL, with a 4.25% failure rate (transplant loss) and no ankylosis. Mean probing reduction was 8.37 +/- 3.0 mm. Mean radiographic bone gain was 7.73 +/- 4.32 mm., Conclusions: This study suggests that auto-transplantation with double PDL stimulation can be a viable treatment in clinical practice, especially to replace teeth with large periodontal lesions, deep furcation defects, and/or root fractures. This study shows the high potential of stimulated PDL to regenerate alveolar bone and periodontal structures in severe destruction sites.

Reported cases of dislocation of the mandibular condyle into the middle cranial fossa are rare. Treatment of this injury should be individualized and should take in account the age of the patient, growth potential, the degree of glenoid fossa destruction, the risk of ankylosis and the risk of further cranial injury. In children, functional therapy is aimed at helping the restoration of posterior facial height, good occlusal relations and function. Long-term follow-up is mandatory. Surgery may be required later to correct asymmetrical growth or developing ankylosis. This article describes a case of condylar penetration into the middle cranial fossa in a six-year-old child and the treatment performed to minimize consequences on occlusion and facial development.

Several growth factors (or cytokines) have recently received attention because of their ability to actively regulate various cellular functions of periodontal ligament (PDL) cells and the effects of topical application of such factor(s) on periodontal tissue regeneration has been evaluated. In this study, we examined the role of basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF) in the wound healing and regeneration of periodontal tissues. Alveolar bone defects (such as 2-wall, 3-wall and furcation class II bone defects) were created surgically in beagle dogs and primates. Recombinant bFGF was topically applied to the artificial bony defects. Six or 8 wk after application, the periodontal regeneration was morphologically and histomorphometrically analyzed. In all sites where bFGF was applied, significant periodontal ligament formation with new cementum deposits and new bone formation was observed in amounts greater than in the control sites. We found it noteworthy that no instances of epithelial down growth, ankylosis or root resorption were observed in the bFGF sites. In vitro studies demonstrated that bFGF enhances the proliferative responses of human PDL cells, which express FGF receptor-1 and -2, but inhibits the induction of alkaline phosphatase activity and mineralized nodule formation by PDL cells. Interestingly, we observed that the mRNA level of laminin in PDL cells, which plays an important role in angiogenesis, was specifically upregulated by bFGF stimulation, but that of type I collagen was downregulated. The present study demonstrates that bFGF can be applied as one of the therapeutic modalities which actively induce periodontal tissue regeneration. The results of in vitro studies suggest that by suppressing the cytodifferentiation of PDL cells into mineralized tissue forming cells, bFGF may play important roles in wound healing by promoting angiogenesis and inducing the growth of immature PDL cells, and may in turn accelerate periodontal regeneration.

Previously, we demonstrated that the inductive properties of bone morphogenetic protein (BMP) highly depend on the nature of the carrier material used for implantation. In this paper, we show that administration of BMP incorporated in a fibrous collagen membrane can help to regenerate periodontal ligament and cementum both in cat canines and in monkey molars. The partially purified bovine BMP was combined with one or two layers of a fibrous collagen membrane. Although the single layer approach showed partial regeneration of periodontal defects, it also quite often led to ankylosis. The double layer technique in artificially prepared class III furcation defects in monkey molars gave favorable results. After 12 wk, not only the alveolar process but also the periodontal ligament and cementum had regenerated along the entire treated dentin surface. Collagen fibers were arranged more or less perpendicular to the surface of the new cementum. Ankylosis was not seen. It is concluded that the double-layer approach is superior to the single-layer technique in regenerating cementum.

Dental trauma represents one of the few situations where dentists are called upon to make unscheduled diagnostic and treatment decisions in an area that is outside their routine experience. Since patients who sustain an avulsion present infrequently, except in child-oriented or emergency-based practices, clinicians often make diagnostic and management decisions based upon their previous rare treatment experiences. Clinicians also rely on published guidelines for this aspect of their practice and expect these standards to be up-to-date and based on current research information. None of the current protocols has been tested by a prospective longitudinal outcome study in humans. Nevertheless, current guidelines have become the standard for clinical practice around the world. An effort must be made to develop treatment protocols that are based upon the biological mechanisms that underlie periodontal wound healing.

Fibrodysplasia ossificans progressiva (FOP) is a rare heritable disorder of progressive heterotopic ossification leading to joint ankylosis throughout the body. Permanent ankylosis of the jaw may be precipitated by minimal soft tissue trauma, a potentially devastating complication following routine dental care during childhood. Assiduous precautions are necessary in administering dental care to children who have FOP as exemplified in this case report. Routine dental prophylaxis is also necessary in order to minimize the need for invasive procedures.

Obstetrical palsy has been described since a long time. Unfortunately, until the last 20 years, few options were available to correct its sequelae. During the last two decades, there has been a regain of interest because of the possibility to microsurgically repair these lesions. Tassin in 1984 demonstrated that babies who have no recovery of the biceps function by three months of age should be operated without delay. At brachial plexus exploration, in the presence of neuroma, nerve grafting is usually necessary. In cases of root avulsion, internal or external neurotization should be performed depending on the severity of the lesions. Physiotherapy and long-term follow-up of these patients are primordial to prevent joint ankylosis and to identify the patients who will benefit from secondary surgery. Our results are presented either after early treatment or after secondary procedures. These results justify aggressive management of obstetrical brachial plexus palsy because of children's great capacity for regeneration and accommodation.

The traumatic avulsion of a tooth presents unique and challenging difficulties in patient management. The successful replantation of the avulsed tooth is influenced by many factors occurring from the moment of injury to the moment of replantation. Immediate and decisive treatment is essential in this time period to avoid subsequent inflammatory root resorption and ankylosis.

Transplanted and replanted autogenous teeth or implanted artificial roots become easily ankylotic. However, if adequate functional loads are applied to them continuously postop with proper fixation, ankylosis can be prevented. The author found this fact through studies on autogenous tooth replantation 20 years ago. Therefore, not only can tooth transplantation, replantation, and artificial root implantation be done successfully with adequate functional loads, but surgical orthodontics as well as plastic operation of jaw deformity can also benefit in the same way. This therapeutic method is called functional surgery. The ankylotic process can be more effectively prevented by applying bioceramic granules. Using these methods, (a) 30 vital teeth in 23 patients were transplanted or replanted. Follow-up duration was 6 to 96 months. (b) Artificial roots made of compact sintered hydroxyapatite (apatite) were implanted under the new concept of functional surgery. In all, 57 artificial roots in 19 patients were implanted and observed for over 5 years. (c) Masticatory skeletal deformities of the viscerocranium were treated with the new concept of functional surgery applying sintered apatite. For this purpose, artificial bone implantation or simple gnathoplasty, tooth transplantation, and artificial root implantation was carried out in 15 patients, after which mastication training was applied with concomitant corrections of function inclination, i.e., oral-perioral habits. In these clinical experiments, excellent favorable results were obtained. The following conclusion was obtained: Introducing the new concept of functional surgery using bioceramics, not only tooth transplantation, as well as artificial root therapeutics, but deformity of the jaw can be steadily treated.

Purpose: The efficacy and toxicity of radiation therapy used for preventing re-formation of heterotopic bone involving the temporomandibular joint are assessed., Methods and Materials: Ten patients (15 TMJs) with bony ankylosis of the TMJ were referred after reconstruction with costochondral graft, gap arthroplasty, or debridement of heterotopic bone. Treatment consisting of 10 Gy was delivered early postoperatively to a field encompassing the TMJ with adequate margin. Response to therapy was assessed by comparison of routine roentgenograms obtained preoperatively, immediately postoperatively, and at last follow-up; the Turlington-Durr grading system was used. Median duration of postoperative follow-up was 19 months., Results: Radiation therapy prevented ectopic bone re-formation in 10 (69%) of 15 TMJs with prior bony ankylosis. Of the 15 TMJs, 13 (87%) had improvement in their Turlington-Durr scores compared with the preoperative scores. Development of ectopic bone formation was prevented in 9 (90%) of 10 TMJs rendered Turlington-Durr grade 0 postoperatively. Eight of the 10 patients have remained asymptomatic. Treatment was well tolerated. The only complication experienced was parotitis in three patients., Conclusion: Radiation therapy is useful for prevention of heterotopic bone redevelopment after TMJ operation. We recommend 10 Gy in 5 fractions beginning early postoperatively for high-risk patients. This strategy appears beneficial in this young patient population, who suffer significant pain and functional impairment in the TMJ articulation.

Objective: Mice with progressive ankylosis, a spontaneous arthropathy, were treated with phosphocitrate (PC) in vivo to determine the effect of PC on disease progression., Methods: Two groups of mice with progressive ankylosis (matched for age, weight, and sex) were treated parenterally for 6 weeks with either PC or saline vehicle., Results: Clinically, histologically, and microradiographically, there were significant differences in disease progression and severity in the PC-treated and the saline-treated mice., Conclusion: PC appears to inhibit disease progression in murine progressive ankylosis.

In this study we evaluated the efficacy of physical therapy together with drug therapy in a group of parkinsonian patients, compared with a group of patients treated using drug therapy only. The physical therapy program lasted four months and included passive and active mobilization exercises, adopted for postural control and equilibrium, walking and prevention of contractures and ankylosis. The assessment was accomplished by means of clinical rating scales and motor performance tests. Patients treated by means of physiotherapy showed an improvement at the end of the study in both clinical scales and motor performance tests. This improvement was noted in both patients with less severe and more severe symptoms as well as in those with shorter and longer disease duration. It is not easy to assess the role played by physical therapy due to the difficulty of an objective evaluation; our results, however, show an improvement in the functional performance of patients and suggest the usefulness of physical therapy associated with drug therapy in a comprehensive treatment for Parkinson's disease.

Previous studies have indicated that inflammatory resorption and ankylosis, which are frequent sequela after delayed tooth replantation, can be greatly reduced by treating the root surface with 1% solutions of stannous fluoride and tetracycline. However, the SnF2 conditioning leaves a long-standing inflammatory reaction in the periodontal ligament. To examine whether a more dilute SnF2 solution would reduce postoperative inflammation without jeopardizing any beneficial effects, anterior teeth in three young adult beagles were extracted and allowed to air-dry for 45 min. They were then immersed in 0.1% SnF2 for 5 min, rinsed in saline, immersed in 1% doxycycline HCl for 5 min, rinsed, and replanted. Control teeth were air-dried and replanted without further treatment. Block biopsies were harvested after 4 wk of healing and processed for histometric analysis. In experimental teeth, 85% of the root surface area showed normal healing, compared to 33% in control teeth. Conversely, resorption and ankylosis were more frequent in controls than in experimental teeth. A persisting inflammatory reaction either adjacent to or at a distance from the root surface was seen in limited areas in both experimental and control teeth. Compared to preceding studies, the findings indicate that reducing the strength of the SnF2 solution from 1% to 0.1% may result in less persistent inflammation, at the cost, however, of less complete prevention of inflammatory resorption and ankylosis.

An important goal for rehabilitation after knee replacement is achievement of good capacity of flexion so that the patient can cope with his everyday needs. If this fails, brisement forcé may be undertaken; the knee joint being moved thoroughly with the patient in general anaesthesia. The results of brisement forcé in 32 knees showed that brisement forcé had an immediate good effect on the patients' ability to flex the joints but that the benefit was short-lived and possible positive effect on the final mobility appears to be less certain. Complaints of pain prior to manipulation and audible rupture of adhesions and tenacious resistance during manipulation were deleterious prognostic signs for good mobility in the final result.

In order to evaluate the prognosis in tooth transplant procedure the literature on this subject was reviewed. The survival of the periodontal ligament is necessary to prevent ankylosis and root resorption. In order to obtain optimal clinical results, the following guidelines are proposed: preparation of the recipient site 2 weeks prior to graft placement, preservation of intact Pdl at time of extraction, rapid reimplantation of tooth in new socket, short term contention (2-3 weeks); endodontic therapy 8-10 weeks after tooth transplantation.

Heterotopic bone formation occurs in up to 70% of patients who have undergone a total hip arthroplasty. Although histologically similar to mature skeletal bone, the ectopic tissue limits postoperative motion and causes pain in 2% to 4% of patients. The ossification is classified and graded according to radiographic appearance. Males with bilateral hypertrophic osteoarthritis who have had prior hip surgery are at high risk. Prophylaxis with Indocin or low-dose irradiation treatment is effective. Excision and irradiation therapy can treat established bony bridges.

Heterotopic ossification (HO) of proximal joints is a common complication of spinal cord injury, traumatic brain injury, and burns, and is also seen among an array of other clinical conditions. Of the patients with HO, 3-8% develop ankylosis of the joint involved. Although the etiology of HO is not known, the main goal in its management is to retain the maximum possible functional range of movement in the joint involved. Toward this end, surgical resection of HO with etidronate disodium treatment to mobilize ankylosed joints has been reported, as has forceful joint manipulation in head-injured adults with HO. This paper presents two cases of extensive HO formation around hip and knee joints in patients who developed pseudoarthrosis. Cinradiographic assessment of the joints involved revealed pseudoarthrosis formation at the same axis as the normal anatomical plane of the joint, thus permitting functional range of movement.

One of the causes of the intractable nature of some leg ulcers is the stiffening, then the ankylosis of the ankle. The consequences of the ankylosis are secondary to the physiology of walking by suppression of the muscular pump of the calf and that of the foot. The treatment must be preventive and this is possible only if ankylosis is systematically looked for in every longlasting leg ulcer.