In a remarkable medical achievement, a five-year-old boy in Mangaluru has been given a new lease on life after undergoing a complex, multi-stage surgical reconstruction at KMC Hospital. The child, who had been suffering from a debilitating condition known as Temporo-Mandibular Joint (TMJ) Ankylosis since infancy, can now open his mouth, eat solid food, and speak clearly for the first time.
A Childhood Lost to a Locked Jaw
For five long years, the boy's life was severely restricted. Temporo-Mandibular Joint Ankylosis is a condition where the joint responsible for opening the mouth fuses to the base of the skull. This fusion left the boy completely unable to open his jaw. His diet was limited to liquids, his speech was muffled and unclear, and he even suffered from sleep-related issues. The condition also caused a significant facial deformity, as his lower jaw remained severely underdeveloped, leading to social stigma and isolation.
The Complex Surgical Journey
The intricate reconstruction was led by Dr. Abhay T Kamath, consultant oral & maxillofacial surgeon at KMC Hospital, Mangaluru. He was supported by a multidisciplinary team including Dr. Adarsh K, professor & head of OMFS at MCODS, Manipal, Dr. Vasudev Das, Dr. Soundarya (paediatrician), Dr. Frida from anaesthesia, and Dr. Madhav Kamath, consultant CTVS.
The procedure was conducted in two major stages. The first surgery involved the precise placement of an external distractor device. Over the following months, this device was carefully activated to gradually lengthen the underdeveloped lower jaw bone—a process known as distraction osteogenesis. After a period of ten months, the team performed the second stage surgery, which involved costochondral grafting (using a rib graft) to create a new, functional jaw joint.
A New Smile and a Renewed Future
The results have been transformative. Today, the boy can chew solid food, articulate words clearly, and face the world with a confident smile. The surgery has corrected both the physical deformity and the profound social challenges he faced.
Dr. Abhay Kamath poignantly noted, "We have not only revived his smile but also renewed his outlook towards life." Echoing the sentiment, paediatrician Dr. Soundarya emphasized that timely and coordinated care by the specialist team was crucial in transforming young Arav's life. This case stands as a testament to the advanced oral maxillofacial surgery capabilities available in Mangaluru and offers hope to other children suffering from similar complex craniofacial conditions.
