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Published on: October 5, 2009
Puricelli biconvex arthroplasty: an experimental study in sheep
Renan Langie1,2,3,4, Viviane Neves Pacheco5, Vinicius Matheus Szydloski5,6
1Department of Surgery and Orthopedics, School of Dentistry / Unit of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Clinics Hospital of Porto Alegre - University Hospital, Federal University of Rio Grande Do Sul (UFRGS), Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil. renanlangie@gmail.com.
This study established a sheep model for the Puricelli biconvex arthroplasty (ABiP) technique. Results show stable temporomandibular joint (TMJ) reconstruction with poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA), maintaining most mandibular movements.
Area of Science:
- Biomaterials Science
- Surgical Innovation
- Animal Models in Research
Background:
- The Puricelli biconvex arthroplasty (ABiP) is a surgical technique for temporomandibular joint (TMJ) reconstruction.
- Evaluating the functional, biological, and histological outcomes of ABiP requires a reliable animal model.
Purpose of the Study:
- To establish a sheep model for the Puricelli biconvex arthroplasty (ABiP) technique.
- To evaluate the functional, biological, and histological parameters of TMJ reconstruction using ABiP in sheep.
Main Methods:
- Ten Corriedale black sheep underwent total TMJ reconstruction with poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) using the ABiP technique.
- Animals were euthanized at 45 or 90 days post-surgery; control animals underwent sham operations.
- Functional and histological assessments were performed at baseline, immediately post-surgery, and at follow-up time points.
Main Results:
- Poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) reconstructions were stable in all sheep.
- Histological analysis revealed a decrease in inflammatory cells and no foreign body reaction.
- Functional outcomes included maintained mouth opening and left lateral movements, with a slight reduction in right lateral movement at 90 days.
Conclusions:
- The ABiP technique in sheep demonstrated stable TMJ reconstruction with preserved function.
- This sheep model supports previous clinical findings for ABiP in TMJ reconstruction.
- The study validates the ABiP technique for its efficacy and safety in temporomandibular joint restoration.
