Effects of experimental unilateral condylectomy followed by altered mandibular function on the maxilla and zygoma

The effect of protruded mandibular function on the maxilla and zygoma was studied in young unilaterally condylectomized growing rats. Forty-eight-4-week-old rats were divided into two experimental and two control groups as follows: group A, 12 animals unilaterally condylectomized on the right side; the mandible was allowed to function normally; group B, 12 animals unilaterally condylectomized on the right side; the mandible was protracted forwards immediately by means of an appliance; group C, 12 animals sham-operated on the right side; no condylectomy or mandibular protraction; and group d, 12 control animals not subjected to any operation or mandibular protraction. The mandibular protraction was achieved by an appliance consisting of an acrylic collar brace fitted to the animal's neck and supporting rubber bands pulling on an intraoral part cemented on the animal's lower incisors. Twenty-five grams of pulling force and protrusion to a clinically and radiographically testes anterior crossbite was exercised for 12 hours per day. The experimental period was 30 days. Lateral and dorsoventral radiographs were taken on days 1 and 30 following condylectomies and mandibular protraction. Cephalometric analysis was performed for each animal with measurements evaluating the maxilla and zygoma. Statistical analysis and comparison of the findings in the four groups of animals can be summarized as follows: (i) condylectomy and altered mandibular function may produce remote skeletal reactions in other parts of the cranial complex; and (ii) the ipsilateral maxilla is affected by condylectomy of the mandible, but altered mandibular function by protraction compensates for the results of condylectomy.