Effect of ibuprofen on the healing and remodeling of bone and articular cartilage in the rabbit temporomandibular joint.

The purpose of this study was to determine the effect of ibuprofen on the healing and remodeling of bone and cartilage in the temporomandibular joint of the rabbit. Forty-two rabbits were operated on to create a groove and a hole in the articular surface of both the right and left mandibular condyles. Following surgery, the animals were divided into three groups. Group A (12 rabbits) was used as a control and the animals did not receive any medication. Group B (15 rabbits) was given a daily dose of 17 mg/kg of ibuprofen. Group C (15 rabbits) was given a daily dose of 34 mg/kg of ibuprofen. All animals were killed after 4 weeks. The 84 condyles were examined clinically and histologically. Statistical analysis showed a highly significant difference in the healing of bone and cartilage between groups A and C (P less than .01) and a significant difference between groups A and B (P less than .05). The results of this study indicate that ibuprofen has an adverse effect on the healing of bone and cartilage in the temporomandibular joint of the rabbit.