Temporomandibular Joint Osteoarthritis Modeling Methods' Efficacy in SD Rats: A Scoping Review

This scoping review aimed to evaluate the efficacy of different temporomandibular joint osteoarthritis (TMJOA) modeling methods in inducing condylar cartilage degeneration and subchondral bone loss in SD rats.

PubMed, Embase, and Web of Science databases were searched for animal studies that established TMJOA models in SD rats and reported histological or micro-CT evaluation parameters. Two reviewers examined the methods and results sections of each selected study, performed methodological quality assessments, and extracted data.

Fifty-seven studies met the eligibility criteria and were selected for analysis. The majority of these studies were rated as having a high risk of bias across the assessed domains. Three categories of TMJOA modeling methods (intra-articular injection, excessive mechanical loading, surgery) comprising fourteen specific techniques were identified and their data were analyzed.

At the early time, disc perforation could effectively induce subchondral bone loss, while monosodium iodoacetate (MIA) injection, over mandibular advancement, mandibular deviation, occlusal elevation, and excessive mouth opening could effectively damage both condylar cartilage and subchondral bone. At the long time, partial discectomy could effectively promote condylar cartilage degeneration, while MIA injection, unilateral anterior crossbite, and posterior occlusal disorder could effectively induce condylar cartilage degradation and subchondral bone loss.