Ankylosis of the mandible: a study of 32 cases.

Objectives: The aim of this study was to clinically evaluate ankylosis of the mandible amongst 32 Nigerians who presented at the Dental & Maxillofacial Surgery clinic, University of Calabar Teaching Hospital Calabar, southsouth Nigeria. Methods: We carried out a prospective study on the 32 patients with mandibular ankylosis. The focus was on the ages at onset of limitation in mouth opening, time of presentation for treatment, gender, aetiological factors, clinical features, radiographical findings, type of ankylosis, anaesthetic technique, surgical treatment, complications, results and follow-up review. The data obtained were subjected to statistical analysis using EPI Info 2000 version software Results: There were 18 (56.3%) males and 14(43.7%) females giving a male-to-female ratio of 1.3:1. Patients’ ages ranged from 3.5 years to 54 years with mean age of 34 + SD 6.4 years. All the patients complied with the follow-up appointments as scheduled within the first one year after commencement of treatment. Six (20.0%) absconded thereafter, while 7 (29.2%) had varying reductions of interincisal distance achieved at surgery. No relapse of ankylosis was recorded. Conclusion: Trauma and infection are the main aetiological factors in temporo-mandibular joint ankylosis. The technique of surgery and conservative treatment employed in each case depended on the site, extent, and type of ankylosis. There was no relapse in all the cases treated. It is expected that this effort would further increase the understanding in the management- of this disabling condition among oral & maxillofacial surgeons.Keywords: Ankylosis, mandible, temporomandibular joint, Nigeria