Correction of rabbit model with mandibular ramus shortening by distraction osteogenesis at condylar neck

Effect of unilateral mandibular distraction osteogenesis on mandibular morphology in rabbits with antigen-induced temporomandibular joint arthritis

Aim was to evaluate effect of unilateral distraction osteogenesis (DO) on mandibular morphology in rabbits with antigen-induced arthritis in the temporomandibular joint (TMJ). Forty 8-week-old rabbits were divided into four groups. In groups A,C, arthritis was induced in the right TMJ. Groups A,B underwent DO. Group D served as control group. Cephalometric analysis of mandibular angle, mandibular ramus height, mandibular collum height, and total posterior mandibular height was done on CT-scans preoperatively (T0), after distraction (T1), and at euthanasia (T2). Two-factor ANOVA evaluated the effect of DO and antigen-induced arthritis. No effect of DO or arthritis was observed on mandibular angle or mandibular collum height. For T0-T1, DO increased mandibular ramus height 12.3% (95% CI 5.2-19.4%) in group B (P=0.001) and total posterior mandibular height 6.2% (95% CI 0.3-12.1%) in group A (P=0.04) and 10.0% (95% CI 4.3-15.7%) in group B (P=0.001). For T1-T2, no significant changes occurred in arthritic rabbits (group A). In conclusion, DO increased total posterior mandibular height in rabbits with arthritis. Postoperatively, no significant effect of DO was observed in rabbits with arthritis. Mandibular DO could be a viable treatment modality in patients with TMJ-arthritis.

Reconstruction of ramus-condyle unit with transport distraction osteogenesis: Report of eight cases and review of literature

BACKGROUND/AIMS

This report and review of literature aimed to assess the feasibility of condylar distraction in humans and its esthetic and functional outcome.

METHODS

We present a case series of eight TMJ ankylosis patients, where after a gap arthroplasty, ramus condyle unit was reconstructed using transport distraction to analyze its feasibility, esthetic and functional outcome and success.

RESULTS

All patients had satisfactory mouth opening, and minimal pain in their follow-up period.

CONCLUSION

Condylar transport distraction osteogenesis holds promise for successful TMJ reconstruction and should be the method of choice as it does not involve secondary surgery or need for an alloplast.