A model for osteoarthritis of the temporomandibular joint

There is a need for a simple, reproducible animal model of advanced osteoarthritis of the temporomandibular joint (TMJ). In this study, gentle removal of the condylar articular layer in the sheep TMJ resulted in an eburnated condyle with peripheral osteophytes, thin or perforated discs, and temporal surface proliferation. This model can be used for both the study of osteoarthritis and the evaluation of therapeutic methods.