[Results following surgical treatment of post-traumatic temporomandibular joint ankylosis].

Trauma is the major cause for temporomandibular joint (TMJ) ankylosis. 20 patients with posttraumatic TMJ ankylosis were surgically treated with interposition of lyophilized homologous cartilage between the newly-formed condylar head and the articular fossa. The follow-up of all patients revealed a correct function of the TMJ. A meticulously performed surgical exposure is decisive for the prevention of facial nerve paresis.