Ankylosis of the temporomandibular joint (TMJ) is immobility or fusion of the joint.

Ankylosis of the TMJ most often results from trauma or infection, but it may be congenital or a result of RA. Chronic, painless limitation of motion occurs. When ankylosis leads to arrest of condylar growth, facial asymmetry is common (see Temporomandibular Disorders: Mandibular Condylar Hyperplasia). Intra-articular (true) ankylosis must be distinguished from extra-articular (false) ankylosis, which may be caused by enlargement of the coronoid process, depressed fracture of the zygomatic arch, or scarring resulting from surgery, irradiation, or infection. In most cases of true ankylosis, x-rays of the joint show loss of normal bony architecture.

Treatment may include a condylectomy if the ankylosis is intra-articular or an ostectomy of part of the ramus if the coronoid process and zygomatic arch are also affected. Jaw-opening exercises must be done for months to years to maintain the surgical correction, but forced opening of the jaws without surgery is generally ineffective because of bony fusion. 

Last full review/revision January 2013 by Noshir R. Mehta, DMD, MDS, MS

Content last modified January 2013