[Temporomandibular ankylosis: an analysis of hospital records and a review of the recent literature]

Ankylosis of the temporomandibular joint has severe consequences due to its effect on eating, speaking, buccal hygiene and growth of the lower third of the face in children. Two therapeutic problems must be addressed: functional capacity (joint mobility) and morphological (correction of the facial deformation). The appropriate surgical techniques are still subject to debate. Each operator has a technique which gives satisfactory results. In our unit, we used two techniques with similar results. Early and prolonged rehabilitation still remains the only guarantee of success.