Post-tracheostomy With Long-Standing Temporomandibular Joint (TMJ) Ankylosis Using a Cone-Beam Computed Tomography (CBCT) Scan for Airway Assessment: A Case Report

TL;DR

This case report shows how 3D imaging with CBCT helps assess airway risks in a patient with a long history of TMJ ankylosis and a prior tracheostomy.

Contribution

Demonstrates the use of CBCT for airway assessment in a complex post-tracheostomy patient with TMJ ankylosis.

Findings

CBCT provided detailed 3D visualization of the airway in a patient with TMJ ankylosis.

The imaging helped evaluate the risk of tracheal stenosis before anesthesia.

The approach improved decision-making for intubation and ET tube size selection.

Abstract

Cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) scans offer a static picture of airway anatomy and help diagnose anatomical or pathological anomalies. Patients with post-tracheostomy status have a high probability of tracheal stenosis. The airway must be thoroughly examined before induction. Three-dimensional visualization using CBCT allows the anesthesiologist to make informed decisions regarding the intubation approach and appropriate endotracheal (ET) tube size, thereby reducing the risk of perioperative complications.

In this case report, we discuss the role of 3D imaging in assessing the probability of tracheal stenosis in a 56-year-old patient with a 40-year history of long-standing temporomandibular joint (TMJ) ankylosis.

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