A model for internal derangement and osteoarthritis of the temporomandibular joint with experimental traction of the mandibular ramus in rabbit.

OBJECTIVES

The purpose of this study is to make a model of internal derangement (ID) and osteoarthritis (OA) by postero-superior displacement of the mandible in the rabbit temporomandibular joint (TMJ).

MATERIALS AND

METHODS

Sixteen Japanese white rabbits (8 months old) were subjected to traction of the mandibular ramus in the postero-superior direction unilaterally using elastic force and five rabbits were used as the control. The operations were performed without surgical invasion of the TMJ capsule. Temporomandibular joint tissue was removed after 4 weeks and Technovit and paraffin sections with or without decalcification were observed histologically.

RESULTS

In contrast to the control group, it showed anterior disc displacement, disc deformity, resorption of subchondral bone and osteophyte formation in the drawing side of the experimental group. Intra-articular fibrous adhesions were observed in both sides.

CONCLUSION

It is concluded that posterosuperior displacement of the mandible caused ID and OA in the rabbit TMJ. This model may contribute to the understanding of the etiology of human temporomadibular disorders (TMD).