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Effect of marrow perforation on the sheep temporomandibular joint
J I Ishimaru1, K Kurita, Y Handa
1Department of Stomatology, Gifu Municipal Hospital, Japan.
Abstract:
The effect of surgically perforating the mandibular condyle to allow synovial fluid to contact the marrow was examined in 5 sheep temporomandibular joints. The surgical defect showed replacement of the marrow with fibro-osseous tissue and subcortical cysts. A vertical, central osteophyte emerged from the perforation, causing attenuation or perforation of the disc and temporal surface proliferation. These changes were radiographically and histologically similar to advanced osteoarthritis. This supports the concept that intraarticular micro or macrofracture may result in osteoarthritis.
Insights
Surgically creating a defect in the mandibular condyle led to osteoarthritis-like changes in sheep temporomandibular joints. This suggests that joint fractures may initiate osteoarthritis development.
Area of Science:
- Orthopedics
- Temporomandibular Joint (TMJ) research
- Skeletal biology
Background:
- Osteoarthritis (OA) is a degenerative joint disease with complex etiologies.
- The role of intra-articular fractures in OA pathogenesis remains an area of investigation.
- Temporomandibular joint osteoarthritis (TMJ OA) significantly impacts quality of life.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the consequences of surgically inducing synovial fluid access to mandibular condyle marrow.
- To evaluate the potential of such an insult to trigger OA-like changes in the temporomandibular joint.
- To explore the relationship between condylar defects and temporomandibular joint disc pathology.
Main Methods:
- Surgical perforation of the mandibular condyle in 5 sheep temporomandibular joints.
- Histological and radiographic examination of the induced surgical defects.
- Assessment of changes in marrow, bone, articular surfaces, and the temporomandibular disc.
Main Results:
- Surgical defects were replaced by fibro-osseous tissue and subcortical cysts.
- Osteophytes formed at the perforation site, leading to disc attenuation or perforation.
- Significant proliferation of the temporal bone surface was observed.
- Radiographic and histological findings mimicked advanced osteoarthritis.
Conclusions:
- Direct access of synovial fluid to mandibular condyle marrow induces significant pathological changes.
- These induced changes strongly resemble advanced osteoarthritis.
- The study supports the hypothesis that intra-articular micro or macrofractures can initiate osteoarthritis development.