Temporomandibular joint alterations: two clinical case-reports of bifid condyle and temporomandibular joint ankylosis

ABSTRACT The etiology of alterations of the temporomandibular joint, such as ankylosis and bifid condyle, comprises several causes including trauma. However, otological infections cannot be overlooked as a probable cause of alterations of the temporomandibular joint, because the proximity between the external auditory canal and the temporomandibular joint facilitates the spread of infection in the region. This article presents a case-report of a patient with bifid condyle of the temporomandibular joint, in which the patient had no history of facial trauma, but had suffered recurrent otitis infections during her childhood. In parallel, a second case-report is described of temporomandibular joint ankylosis in a 12-year-old patient with a history of facial trauma during her childhood. The purpose of this study was to highlight and emphasize the importance of early diagnosis of temporomandibular joint disorders to avoid the development of facial asymmetries, restore function, esthetics, and the psychological state of the patient.

摘要：颞下颌关节（temporomandibular joint）病变（如关节强直与髁突分叉）的病因学涵盖多种诱因，创伤即为其一。然而，耳部感染作为颞下颌关节病变的潜在致病因素不容忽视——由于外耳道与颞下颌关节位置毗邻，感染极易在该区域播散。
本文报告1例颞下颌关节髁突分叉病例：患者无面部创伤史，但童年时期曾反复罹患耳部感染。与此同时，本文还描述了另一例12岁患者的颞下颌关节强直病例，该患者童年时期有面部创伤史。
本研究旨在强调早期诊断颞下颌关节紊乱病的重要性，以避免面部不对称畸形的发生，同时恢复患者的口腔功能、颌面美观与心理健康状态。