[Observations on structure of bone in human mandibular condyles with osteophyte formation]

The purpose of this study was to investigate the functional characteristics of human mandibular condyles from a morphological viewpoint. The structure of bone in the human mandibular condyles with osteophyte formation was observed macroscopically and microscopically and compared with that in the condyles which seemed to be normal. The following observations were made: 1. Generally, it was observed that remodeling seemed to occur frequently in compact bone in the joint surface area of the mandibular condyle. 2. As the distribution of lamellar bone, nonlamellar, and bundle bone in the joint surface area changes, the compact bone seems to shift down and protrude forward. In larger osteophytes, trabeculae of cancellous bone-like structure are observed. However, the basic structure of compact bone, including haversian system and the interlamellae structure remains within the trabecullae. Therefore, observation revealed histologically that this is a compact bone. The macroscopical appearance of cancellous bone-like structure seems to be a result of functional demand. 4. It was concluded that the mandibular condyles accommodate the functional loads, and adoptational changes occur constantly in a stable manner.