A Case Report on Osteomyelitis as a Consequence of Ankylosis of TMJ | Chapter 10 | New Frontiers in Medicine and Medical Research Vol. 13
The term "ankylosis" refers to a stiff joint. Ankylosis is a condition in which the condyle disc complex is restricted in movement, limiting mouth opening. TMJ ankylosis is most commonly caused by trauma. Ankylosis of the TMJ causes a reduction in interincisal distance, which leads to poor oral hygiene and nutritional intake. This is a case of an 18-year-old female patient who has been experiencing pus discharge from the right side of her face for the past 3-4 months. She has a history of poor dental hygiene as a result of her limited mouth opening. The right condyle's movement was restricted, and the ramus' height was reduced. A diagnosis of osteomyelitis with ankylosis of the right condyle and right hemifacial hypoplasia was provided based on clinical and radiological findings, and the patient was transferred to a higher centre for further treatment. Although not directly, ankylosis is linked to osteomyelitis because TMJ ankylosis causes decreased mouth opening, whi...