Autogenous abdominal fat transplantation into temporomandibular joint following removal of osteochondroma

Abstract

Background: An osteochondroma (OC) of the condylar process is a rare condition which primarily affects the mandibular condyle. There are several surgical treatment protocols of OC. As effective hemostatic agents and space fillers, autogenous free-fat grafts prevent scar formation and helps to hinder the accumulation of blood and serum, which otherwise, may be replaced by a dense collagen (scar), osteoid or bone. We report the autogenous abdominal fat transplantation, following the removal of a condylar OC. Methods: A 42-year-old man presented with the one-year history of progressive facial asymmetry and deviation of the chin, cross-bite to the contralateral side, and difficulty in mastication. Radiographic and clinical findings confirmed the diagnosis of an OC. Computed tomography (CT) showed lateral and inferior displacement of the right mandibular condyle due to the presence of a bone lesion from the medial aspect of the condylar head. Results: The OC was removed; the remaining portion of the condyle was re-shaped and smoothened. Abdominal fat harvesting was done 2–3 cm below the umbilicus and 3–5 cm length on the transverse midline. The defective area was filled with a harvested autogenous abdominal fat. Conclusion: Our results suggest that autogenous abdominal fat graft placement after the removal of OC with condyloplasty is yielded satisfactory treatment outcomes. Keywords: Autogenous abdominal fat, Osteochondroma, TMJ