The Use of Computed Tomography in the Diagnosis and Treatment Planning of Temporomandibular Joint Ankylosis in Two Cats

The use of computed tomography (CT) in the diagnosis and treatment of two cats with a history of inability to open the lower jaw was evaluated. The CT scan of Case 1 revealed extensive callus formation and osseous fusion in the left temporomandibular joint (TMJ) and subluxation in the right TMJ. The CT scan of Case 2 revealed irregular bone proliferations in bilateral intra-articular and periarticular structures. Excision arthroplasty was performed unilaterally in Case 1 and bilaterally in Case 2, and a temporal myofascial flap was applied. At one-year follow-up, both cases maintained painless range of motion of the lower jaw with no signs of re-ankylosis. The CT scanning with three-dimensional (3D) reconstruction is an indispensable imaging method for the diagnosis and preoperative planning of TMJ ankylosis in cats.