Abstract

FERNANDEZ GARCIA-GUILARTE, R. et al. Mandibular ankylosis: a Noma frequent sequel. Cir. plást. iberolatinoam. [online]. 2009, vol.35, n.4, pp.321-326. ISSN 1989-2055.

Little is known about Noma or Cancrum Oris Disease. This entity affects to children with chronic malnutrition, poor oral hygiene, poor environmental sanitation and debilitating concurrent illness. There is general consensus that noma starts as gingivitis. The acute stage responds readily to antibiotic treatment. The sequelae after healing include variable functional and aesthetic impairments, which require reconstructive surgery. We report 3 cases of mandibular ankylosis. Preoperative examination revealed mandibular dismorphism, fusion of maxilla and mandible and ankylosis of the temporomandibular joint. Orthopantography and Computed Thomography scan (TCS) were very useful in planning surgery. The surgical treatment performed consisted in ankylotic bone resection in all cases, accompanied with condrocostal graft reconstruction in one case. All patients continued postoperatively with an intensive physiotherapy. Clinically all patients showed an improvement in eating, chewing and speaking, obviously due to good occlusion. Low collaboration with the mandibular rehabilitation was the most common problem.

Keywords : Noma; Cancrum Oris; Mandibular ankylosis.

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