Oral and maxillofacial surgery and facial fractures: reconstruction in paediatric ankylosis: practice question

A Dentistry question in the style of the NEET PG paper. Answer it first, then read why the right option is right and why each of the others is wrong.

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Dentistry · Oral and maxillofacial surgery and facial fractures: reconstruction in paediatric ankylosis

Sample item

A 9-year-old child with bony ankylosis of the temporomandibular joint undergoes release by gap arthroplasty. Which graft is preferred to reconstruct the ramus-condyle unit while preserving growth potential?

Original practice item, not a recalled exam question. Nothing here is recorded.

The answer and the reasoning

D. Costochondral rib graft

A costochondral graft has a cartilaginous growth zone that can support mandibular growth in a child. Alloplastic joints are mostly reserved for adults because they do not grow. Fascia alone does not rebuild the ramus height.

Option by option

  • A. Temporalis fascia interposition alone

    Interposition alone prevents reankylosis but does not restore ramus height.

  • B. Alloplastic total joint prosthesis

    A prosthetic joint does not grow and is generally avoided in children.

  • C. Condylectomy without reconstruction

    Without reconstruction, the ramus shortens and facial asymmetry or an open bite develops.

  • D. Costochondral rib graft (correct)

    Correct. Its cartilage cap offers growth potential for a growing mandible.

Source note: Original NextPrep sample item — pending expert review. This item is original practice material awaiting independent expert review, so confirm important facts in a standard textbook.

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Questions about this Dentistry question

What is the answer to this Dentistry question?

The best answer is D, Costochondral rib graft. A costochondral graft has a cartilaginous growth zone that can support mandibular growth in a child.

Why is "Temporalis fascia interposition alone" not the answer?

Interposition alone prevents reankylosis but does not restore ramus height.

Why is "Alloplastic total joint prosthesis" not the answer?

A prosthetic joint does not grow and is generally avoided in children.

Why is "Condylectomy without reconstruction" not the answer?

Without reconstruction, the ramus shortens and facial asymmetry or an open bite develops.

What concept does this question test?

It tests Oral and maxillofacial surgery and facial fractures: reconstruction in paediatric ankylosis in Dentistry. Alloplastic joints are mostly reserved for adults because they do not grow. Fascia alone does not rebuild the ramus height.

How hard is this question?

We tag it as a multi-step question: it asks you to combine more than one idea. The tag is our own editorial judgement, not an official difficulty rating, so read the reason for every option, not only the answer.

How should I study Oral and maxillofacial surgery and facial fractures: reconstruction in paediatric ankylosis?

Learn the dental formula, eruption ages and tooth structure once, as tables. Then use the flashcards and the other Dentistry questions on this site to test what stuck.

Is this a real NEET PG question?

No. It is an original practice item (editorial status: sample, version 1). NextPrep does not publish recalled or leaked questions, and independent faculty review of this item has not been completed yet, so confirm important facts in a standard textbook.