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Bilateral TMJ disk displacement induces mandibular retrognathia
F Bryndahl1, L Eriksson, P E Legrell
1Department of Odontology, Oral and Maxillofacial Radiology, Umeå University, SE-901 87 Umeå, and Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Malmö University Hospital, Sweden.
Journal of Dental Research
|November 24, 2006
Summary
Bilateral temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disk displacement in growing rabbits caused significant mandibular and maxillary growth retardation, leading to retrognathia. This highlights the impact of TMJ disk issues on facial development.
Area of Science:
- Orthodontics
- Craniofacial development
- Temporomandibular joint disorders
Background:
- Unilateral non-reducing TMJ disk displacement is known to impede mandibular growth on the affected side, resulting in facial asymmetry.
- The effects of bilateral TMJ disk displacement on overall craniofacial growth, particularly mandibular development, remain less understood.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the hypothesis that bilateral non-reducing TMJ disk displacement would cause bilateral mandibular growth retardation, leading to mandibular retrognathia.
- To assess the impact of bilateral TMJ disk displacement on maxillary growth and overall facial development during the growth period.
Main Methods:
- Surgical creation of non-reducing TMJ disk displacement in 10 growing New Zealand White rabbits.
- A sham-operated control group of 10 rabbits was used for comparison.
- Serial cephalograms with tantalum implants were used to track facial growth over a period analogous to human childhood and adolescence.
Main Results:
- Bilateral non-reducing TMJ disk displacement significantly retarded mandibular growth bilaterally, consistent with mandibular retrognathia observed in humans.
- Maxillary growth was also retarded, though to a lesser extent than mandibular growth.
- Growth impairment varied over time, with the most pronounced retardation occurring during periods of accelerated general growth.
Conclusions:
- Bilateral non-reducing TMJ disk displacement impairs mandibular and maxillary growth, potentially causing mandibular retrognathia.
- The timing of growth retardation correlates with general growth spurts, which has implications for orthodontic treatment planning in adolescents.
- Adolescent orthodontic interventions aimed at stimulating mandibular growth should consider the presence and impact of non-reducing TMJ disk displacement.
