Condylar Resorption Following Compressive Mechanical Stress in Rabbit Model - Association of Matrix...

Idiopathic condylar resorption (ICR) is a morphological change of the condylar head that occurs following orthodontic treatment or orthognathic surgery. This complication is serious, as it can cause relapse after mandible treatment. The aim of this experimental study was to evaluate the mechanism of influence of condylar resorption on compressive mechanical stress in temporomandibular joint following a change in occlusal position by mandible advancement.

An osteotomy procedure at the midline of mandible was performed in 15 rabbits, with the left side moved forward by 3.5 mm. Advancement of the left side of the mandible resulted in compressive mechanical stress on condylar head on the left side. Samples were subjected to micro-computed tomography, histological staining and immunohistochemistry.

The area and depth of anterior condylar resorption at two weeks were significantly different as compared to those at one week (p<0.05). TRAP staining confirmed the significantly largest number of TRAP-positive cells after two weeks (p=0.02), compared to one week. MMP-3 and MMP-13 immunostaining of the anterior condylar head at two weeks revealed high levels of both proteins from the surface to the deep layer of cartilage.

Compressive mechanical stress following mandible advancement results in load on the anterior surface of the condylar head, which leads to bone resorption there, and induces MMP-3 and MMP-13 related to degradation of condylar head cartilage.