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Updated: Aug 19, 2026
A Morphometric and Cellular Analysis Method for the Murine Mandibular Condyle
Published on: January 11, 2018
Histologic evaluation of temporomandibular arthritis induced by mild mechanical loading in rabbits
Kazuma Fujimura1, Susumu Kobayashi, Toshikazu Suzuki
1Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Kanazawa Medical University, Kahoku-gun, Ishikawa, Japan. 1-kkk@kanazawa-med.ac.jp
Background:
We still lack knowledge of causative factors in arthritis related to temporomandibular disorders (TMD). The goal of the present study was to investigate whether applying a mechanical loading on the glenoid fossa can induce arthritis.
Methods:
Coil springs were placed in 24 rabbits so as to exert a force of 100 g between the orbital edge and the antegonial notch. At 1, 2, 4 and 8 weeks after the surgery, six samples of the temporomandibular joint (TMJ) were removed for histologic examination.
Results:
The results showed that mild synovitis began 1-2 weeks after the start of loading, and the degree of synovitis was significant at 4 weeks, and that morphologic changes occurred in the articular eminence and condyle, while type II collagen in the cartilage of the articular eminence degraded prior to that in the condyle.
Conclusions:
Our results revealed that mild, continuous mechanical loading to the glenoid fossa induces synovitis of the articular capsule, and induces organic changes of the articular cartilage without destroying these tissues.
