[The effect of indirect trauma on the goat temporomandibular joint: a histopathologic study]

The aim of this experiment was to study the effect of indirect trauma on the goat temporomandibular joint (TMJ). Trauma to the TMJ was achieved through an impact to the right mandibular angles of 20 goats, their left TMJs were used as a controls. The animals were killed after 2 h, 1 month, 3 months and 6 months. Light microscopic observations revealed that the condyles exhibited an eburnated, eroded surface with osteophytes, the disks were thinned or perforated, and the temporal surfaces were thickened and the lining were separated. These changes were histologically similar to those of the advanced osteoarthritis. This study suggests that the indirect trauma on TMJ lead to osteoarthritis.