Am J Otolaryngol Head Neck Surg | Volume 6, Issue 2 | Case Report | Open Access

Rare Case of Limited Mouth Opening due to Sphenomandibular Ligament Calcification: Case Report and Literature Review

Alrhabi LM^1,2* and Altawili ZM³

¹Department of Otolaryngology Maxillofacial Surgery, General Military Hospital, Yemen
²Department of Otolaryngology Maxillofacial Surgery, Collage of Dentistry, Queen Arwa University, Yemen
³College of Dentistry, University of Science and Technology, Yemen

^*Correspondance to: Zainab M Altawili, 

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Abstract

Objective: To report a case of a 7-year-old male with restricted mouth opening of sudden progression, and to discuss the diagnostic and therapeutic approach for this condition. Materials and Methods: An initial orthopantomogram radiograph showed no signs of Temporomandibular Joint (TMJ) problems. Physiotherapy was attempted, but did not improve the case, and mouth opening construction increased by the time. Three-dimensional computed tomography scans revealed a linear radiopaque region along the sphenomandibular ligament. The patient underwent intraoperative resection of the calcified ligament by osteotome and mallet. Results: The procedure resulted in an automatic improvement of the mouth opening. Conclusion: The case highlights the importance of careful radiological evaluation of the oral cavity and TMJ in patients with restricted mouth opening and presents a successful therapeutic approach to the condition.

Keywords:

Calcification; Limited mouth opening; Ossification; Sphenomandibular ligament;
Trismus

Citation:

Alrhabi LM, Altawili ZM. Rare Case of Limited Mouth Opening due to Sphenomandibular Ligament Calcification: Case Report and Literature Review. Am J Otolaryngol Head Neck Surg. 2023; 6(2):1228..