Evaluation of the condyle remodeling after lateral arthroplasty in growing children with temporomandibular joint ankylosis

Temporomandibular joint (TMJ) ankylosis in growing patients can cause both mouth opening limitation and jaw bone deformity. Lateral arthroplasty (LAP) can restore the medially displaced condyle and thus keep its growth potential. But can the condyle grow as normal is unknown. This study was to evaluate the long-term result after LAP in growing children. Patients from 2010 to 2014 were evaluated. Their CT data within 1 week after operation and during at least 1-year follow-ups were measured by ProPlan CMF 1.4 software. The condyle-ramus length of both sides and angles and the chin deviation before and after operation were compared. SPSS 17.0 software was used for statistical analysis. A total of 9 patients with a mean age of 10.2 years were included in the study. The mean follow-up period was 1.94 years. The mean condyle-ramus growth was 2.90 mm in the affected side and 2.50 mm in the unaffected side (P = 0.31). All of the affected side exhibited growth and remodeling of the condyle and ramus. All 9 cases had a mean chin deviation of 3.69 mm before operation and 2.92 mm during follow-ups (P = 0.16). The residual condyle grows after LAP, which can reduce the gravity of jawbone deformity.