Management of postoperative complications of gap arthroplasty in a cat with temporomandibular ankylosis

Abstract

An 8-month-old, neutered male, Korean short hair cat was referred for a closed locked jaw. Physical examination and computed tomography(CT) revealed an old trauma fracture with the absence of synovium at the left temporomandibular joint suggestive of left temporomandibular joint ankylosis. Gap arthroplasty successfully eliminated clinical signs, aided by the 3D printed model of the patient’s skull and piezosurgical unit. The major complication, temporal ipsilateral facial paralysis and reankylosis, were auspiciously managed through constant ocular lubrication and early rehabilitation.