Introduction: Temporomandibular joint (TMJ) ankylosis is an important functional pathology that leads to restricted mouth opening, decreased quality of life, maxillofacial deformities, orthognathic and orthodontic problems. TMJ ankylosis in children causes a significant decrease in ramus height, more severe maxillofacial deformities and orthodontic problems. In the literature, the treatment of TMJ ankylosis is gap or interposition arthroplasty with joint reconstruction using autogenous or alloplastic materials following removal of the ankylotic fragment. The aim of the treatments is to improve function, prevent recurrent ankylosis and prevent asymmetry during development.

Case: An 8-year-old female patient with a history of trauma caused by a fall was admitted to our clinic with the complaint of decreased mouth opening and facial asymmetry over the years. Clinical and radiologic evaluation revealed ankylotic bone formation in the left joint region. Excision of the ankylotic formation and reconstruction of the area with costochondral graft under general anesthesia was planned. The ankylotic tissue was accessed through preauricular and retromandibular incisions. Ankylotic formation was excised. The costochondral graft taken from the patient for reconstruction was fixed with screws. The mouth opening, which was 5 mm preoperatively, was measured as 23 mm at the 3rd postoperative month. Physiotherapy was applied to our patient in the early period.

Conclusion: TMJ ankylosis needs to be treated without delay. TMJ Ankylosis treatment is a very complicated and challenging treatment on which intensive studies and evaluations continue.

Keywords: Costochondral graft, Temporomandibular joint ankylosis, Temporomandibular joint arthroplasty