Costochondral reconstruction of mandibular condyles in nongrowing primates

The aim of this study was to develop a reproducible model in nongrowing animals to document morphological and histological changes after costochondral reconstruction of the mandibular condyle. Seven adult monkeys underwent a unilateral condylectomy followed by costochondral reconstruction. Dimensional changes of the thorax and reconstructed ramus-condyle unit were documented by in situ and radiographic analysis. Morphological and histological analysis were completed after removal at 4 (n = 2), 8 (n = 2), and 12 months (n = 3). In situ measurements demonstrated no dimensional changes of the thorax, but the reconstructed ramus-condyle unit decreased in height an average of 3.2 +/- 1.4 mm. The original graft remained unchanged morphologically, but new bone and cartilage progressively encompassed it, creating a form similar to the native condyle. Histologically, the transplanted cartilage remained unchanged. However, the articulating surface progressively took the appearance of the native condyle. Results of this study indicated that, in nongrowing animals, the reconstructed ramus-condyle unit decreases in height slightly but remodels to a size and shape morphologically and histologically similar to the native condyle.