JAMMU: Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery at AIIMS Jammu has successfully treated a rare and complex case of temporomandibular joint (TMJ) ankylosis in a 62-year-old patient.

The case involved a 4-centimeter bony fusion between the mandibular condyle and the skull base, classified as Type IV Sawhney's TMJ ankylosis-one of the most debilitating and uncommon forms of the condition.

The patient had suffered for years with severe jaw immobility and pain, unable to open the mouth fully or eat properly. Following thorough clinical and radiological evaluation, the surgical team led by Dr Amanjot Kaur, along with Dr Nandkishor, Dr Vishwajeet and Dr Rupinder, performed an interpositional arthroplasty using a buccal fat pad. The procedure involved the removal of the fused bone and placement of a soft tissue graft to prevent recurrence.

Dr Amanjot Kaur highlighted the challenges posed by the patient's age and the extensive nature of the ankylosis. She credited the success to institutional support, saying, "This was made possible through the visionary guidance of our ED and CEO, Prof (Dr) Shakti Kumar Gupta, who has championed advanced surgical care at AIIMS Jammu."

Prof Gupta remarked, "This case reflects the caliber of clinical expertise and collaboration we are building at AIIMS Jammu. It is our mission to bring cutting-edge, patient-centric care to the region."

The surgery's success also hinged on expert airway management by the Department of Anaesthesiology, led by Dr Kanika Gupta and Dr Sandeepika Dogra, with team members Dr Anu and Dr Marvi. They skillfully navigated the difficult airway scenario, ensuring smooth induction and extubation.

Prof Saurabh K Gupta, whose mentorship was pivotal, called it a landmark moment for the institute. "This case reaffirms our dedication to restoring patient dignity through compassionate and high-precision care," he said.