1Department of Dentistry, SHKM Goverment Medical College, Nalhar, Nuh, Mewat, (HR), India
2Department of Pediatrics, SHKM Goverment Medical College, Nalhar, Nuh, Mewat, (HR), India
3Department of Community Medicine, SHKM Goverment Medical College, Nalhar, Nuh, Mewat, (HR), India
*Corresponding Author: Dr. Vijay Laxmy, Assistant Professor, E-mail: vijay_laxmy13@yahoo.co.in
Online published on 27 May, 2016.
Temporo-Mandibular Joint (TMJ) Ankylosis is a highly disabling acquired condition characterized by the fusion of condylar head with glenoid fossa of temporal bone. It leads to reduced mouth opening thus affecting food intake, speech impairment and oral hygiene. The condition also affects mandibular growth causing poor aesthetics, obstructive sleep apnoea and psycho-social isolation. The problem is seen mainly in developing world and has many preventable etiological factors.
The study was conducted at the Department of Dentistry, Shaheed Hasan Khan Mewati (SHKM) Govt. Medical College, Mewat, Haryana. Patients with reduced mouth opening on clinical examinations, reduced TMJ movements on palpation and with radiographic finding of obliteration of joint space were included. Out of 11, 500 patients who visited at the Dental Out Patient Department (OPD) between January ’2013 to November ’2014, the TMJ Ankylosis was detected in 25 patients. After obtaining informed consent, the patients were evaluated on the basis of prescribed performa. Results: Twenty five (25) TMJ Ankylosis patients were identified out of 11, 500 patients who visited the Dental OPD. Out of these, 24 patients were Unilateral Type and 1 patient was Bilateral Type. The condition was most prevalent in age group 11–15 Years. The Male: Female ratio was 16: 9. Trauma was identified as the most common etiological factor. Out of 25 patients, 2 had been operated previously for the same condition and were recurrence cases. The average time for which these patients had been living with the condition was 5 Years 3 Months. The most common reason for not seeking the treatment for the condition was financial constraint.
A high incidence of this condition was attributed to lack of parapet wall on roofs of the houses causing fall from height while playing and most importantly the negligence of parents. Post trauma management was also poor as these patients were seen mainly by quacks. Early identification of potential cases could have prevented development of this condition in many patients.
Temporo-Mandibular Joint Ankylosis, Epidemiology, Prevalence, Socio-Demographic determinants
