A Case of Temporomandibular Joint Ankylosis With Adenoid Hypertrophy and Associated Airway Challenges

TL;DR

A five-year-old boy with jaw joint ankylosis and enlarged adenoids faced challenges in diagnosis and treatment, including difficulties with intubation due to limited mouth opening.

Contribution

This case report highlights the complexities of managing TMJ ankylosis in children with airway challenges.

Findings

TMJ ankylosis in children can lead to significant facial deformities and psychological impacts.

Intubation in children with TMJ ankylosis is complicated by limited mouth opening.

A multidisciplinary approach is essential for diagnosis and treatment planning in such cases.

Abstract

Temporomandibular joint (TMJ) ankylosis is a form of TMJ condition that causes mouth opening limitation, ranging from partial reduction to total immobilization of the jaw. Bony and fibrous ankylosis is most commonly caused by trauma, although it can also happen as a result of surgery, local or systemic infections, or systemic diseases. Childhood TMJ produces facial deformities, which increase with growth and have a major detrimental impact on the patient's psychological development. Each patient with TMJ ankylosis must have a history, physical examination, and radiographic examination in order to determine a definitive diagnosis, severity, involvement of surrounding tissues, and, ultimately, treatment planning. Technical challenges and a high recurrence rate make treating TMJ ankylosis challenging. Intubating a young child with TMJ ankylosis is a difficult job, which is exacerbated by limited mouth opening. This case report describes a five-year-old boy who reported an inability to open his mouth, diagnosed as TMJ ankylosis, and managed in the absence of an appropriately sized tracheostomy tube.

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