AFMC has simultaneously corrected the resultant deformity with the novel technique of distraction osteogenesis, a procedure that moves two segments of a bone slowly apart in such a way that new bone fills in the gap.
The Armed Forces Medical College (AFMC), Pune, which has emerged as the centre in treating frozen joint or lock-jaw, will be organising a two-day ‘National dental update’ from Saturday. The theme for the event will be “emerging challenges in dental science”.
AFMC has simultaneously corrected the resultant deformity with the novel technique of distraction osteogenesis, a procedure that moves two segments of a bone slowly apart in such a way that new bone fills in the gap.
Lt Gen DP Vats, director and commandant of AFMC said, “Keeping pace with rapid development of various medical and dental specialties, the maxillo-facial surgery division of the department of dental surgery is now providing world-class treatment to its patients. This institution has developed a highly successful protocol for the treatment of frozen joint/ lock-jaw.”
According to Brigadier PK Sahoo, professor and head of the dental surgery department of AFMC, the frozen joint is technically termed as “temporo-mandibular joint ankylosis” (difficulty in opening mouth) and is especially seen in growing children.
In this disease, the joint which facilitates movements of the lower jaw, becomes immobile mainly due to injury or infection resulting in locked jaw and improper movement of the mouth.
The problem is aggravated as lack of growth results in deformity of the face. In the past, many techniques were applied to release the joint and facilitate mouth opening. The treatment of the resultant deformity involved complex surgical procedures or multiple operations with limited success rates.
The recently developed technique of distraction osteogenesis, in which two segments of bone are placed under controlled traction, utilises the body’s own regenerative mechanism.
This technique is used at the AFMC to form a new joint that results in normal jaw movements. It also treats the facial disfigurements in a single procedure, thus improving the overall quality of the life of the patient, said Sahoo.
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