Remodelling in Young Sheep: a Histological Study of Experimentally Produced Defects of the TMJ

Abstract

Questions under study: In this study, experimentally induced surgical defects of the mandibular condyle were evaluated histologically 3, 6 and 9 months postoperatively to investigate the capacity for remodelling which is one of the most important features of the temporomandibular joint. Methods: In three healthy sheep standardised surgical defects were produced on each right condylar head. The left temporomandibular joints served as controls. No treatment was performed on the surgical defects and function was not restricted postoperatively. At the end of the experimental period the sheep were sacrificed and a histological evaluation was carried out. Results: Histologically, no disturbance was observed during the healing process in bone and cartilage. Although function was not limited throughout the study, it was observed that the experimental surgical defects had healed completely. Conclusions: This result points to the condyle's high capacity for repair and remodelling.