The effects of changes of mandibular position on temporomandibular joint in adult rabbits whose retrodiscal tissues were incised

Hwang, Hyeon Shik; Sohn, Byung Wha

Abstract

The purpose of this experiment was to study the effects of changes of mandibular position on temporomandibular joint in internal derangement patients. Twenty-four female New Zealand White Rabbits, weighing over 3.5kg, were utilized in this study. Bilateral temporomandibular joint surgery was performed in twenty one of the rabbits to displace disc anteriorly through incising the retrodiscal tissue 1-2mm posterior to the disc, thus inducing internal derangement. They were divided into three groups: nine were left untreated after surgery, six were fitted with functional protrusive appliances 4 weeks after surgery, and six wore collar appliances to apply 4 ounces of mandibular retractive force per side 4 weeks after surgery. The remaining three served as the control group. Histologic examinations were performed after sacrificing them by threes at 4-week intervals. The results were as follows: 1. Histologic findings similar to internal derangement were observed in the rabbits whose retrodiscal tissues had been incised. 2. In the rabbits untreated after surgery, articular surface on condylar process and articular eminence showed severe erosion and deformation, and displaced disc manifested changes in both shape and internal architecture. 3. Functional protrusion after surgery resulted in progressive remodeling on posterosuperior portion of condyle and glenoid fossa, while it also brought about erosion on articular eminence and anterior portion of condyle. 4. Mandibular retraction after surgery resulted in compression of retrodiscal tissue and regressive remodeling of posterior portion of condyle.