Extra-articular ankylosis after zygoma fracture; A case report & review of literature

Extra-articular temporomandibular bony ankylosis between the coronoid process and the zygoma is quite uncommon. In this paper we present a case of fusion of the left coronoid to the zygomatic bone in a 23-year-old male. This bony ankylosis was the result of five-week-old untreated zygomatic complex fracture. Ankylosis developed secondary to heterotopic bone formation following trauma. Zygomatico-coronoid ankylosis of the mandible is a complication which rarely occurs if fractures of the middle third of the facial skeleton have been adequately treated. The patient was treated by intraoral coronoidectomy. The rationale for clinical and radiographic diagnosis and treatment is reviewed.