Matthews device arthroplasty presents superior long-term mouth opening than interpositional arthroplasty in the management of temporomandibular joint ankylosis

Background: The aim of this study is to describe the surgical outcomes of a single-institution experience in the surgical management of temporomandibular joint ankylosis, comparing interpositional arthroplasty with autogenous tissue and Matthews device arthroplasty. Methods: A retrospective analysis of temporomandibular joint ankylosis patients (n = 15), who underwent interpositional arthroplasty or Matthews device arthroplasty, was conducted. The surgical outcomes (preoperative, recent [4-6 weeks], intermediate [1 year], and late [3 years] postoperative maximal incisal opening, hospital stay, and complication, relapse, and reoperation rates) were compared. Results: Significant (all p < 0.05) differences were recorded in temporomandibular joint ankylosis patients treated with interpositional arthroplasty with autogenous tissue (53.3%) versus Matthews device arthroplasty (46.7%) according to intermediate (25 +/- 7 vs. 34 +/- 5 mm) and late (19 +/- 8 vs. 33 +/- 5 mm) postoperative maximal incisal opening, intermediate ( 31% vs. 7%) and late (47% vs. 12%) postoperative relapse, and reoperation rate ( 38% vs. 0%). There was similarity (all p > 0.05) in preoperative (4.8 +/- 2.9 vs. 4.9 +/- 2.9 mm) and recent (35 +/- 4 vs. 37 +/- 4 mm) postoperative maximal incisal opening, hospital stay (3.5 +/- 0.8 vs. 3.6 +/- 0.8 days), and surgery-related complications (13% vs. 14%). Conclusion: Both surgical procedures evaluated were successful in initial management of temporomandibular joint ankylosis, but the Matthews device arthroplasty avoided postoperative relapse. (C) 2016 British Association of Plastic, Reconstructive and Aesthetic Surgeons. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.