Open Access
CC BY-NC-ND 4.0 · Indian J Plast Surg 2008; 41(02): 175-182
DOI: 10.4103/0970-0358.44941
Original Article
Association of Plastic Surgeons of India

Surgery of temporomandibular joint under local anaesthesia

Gajiwala J. Kalpesh
Holy Family Hospital, Bandra; Ramkrishna Mission Hospital, Khar; Saifee Hospital, Charni Road; AYJNIHH, Bandra, Mumbai, India
› Author Affiliations
Further Information

Publication History

Publication Date:
15 January 2020 (online)

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ABSTRACT

Temporomandibular joint ankylosis is a debilitating disorder arising from an inability to open the mouth. This leads to poor nutrition, poor dental hygiene, and stunted growth. Anaesthesia, especially general anaesthesia, is very difficult to administer. There is a lack of direct visualization of the vocal cords, tongue fall following relaxation, and an already narrowed passage due to a small mandible, which makes even the blind nasal intubation difficult. There are various techniques described in literature to overcome these challenges, failing which, one needs to do tracheostomy. All the risks of difficult intubation and general anaesthesia can be avoided if the surgery is done under local anaesthesia. A simple but effective method of successful local anaesthesia is described, which allows successful temporomandibular joint reconstruction.