Histomorphometric examination of long-term changes in temporomandibular joints after mandibular lengthening by distraction osteogenesis in rabbits

Objective. The purpose of this study was to evaluate long-term histomorphometric changes in temporomandibular joints (TMJs) of rabbits after mandibular distraction osteogenesis (DO). Study Design. Twenty-six rabbits were used in this study. Two of them served as control subjects, and the remaining 24 underwent DO procedures in their left mandibular bodies. After a latency period of 5 days, 5 mm lengthening was performed at a rate of 1 mm/d. The rabbits in the experimental group were randomly divided into 4 subgroups and killed after 1, 2, 4, and 6 months. TMJs from both sides were harvested and prepared with hematoxylin and eosin stain for histomorphometric examination under an optical microscope. Results. Compared with control subjects and nondistracted sides, fibrous articular, proliferative, and hypertrophic areas were significantly increased (P < .05) in the first 2 months in distracted sides. The changes were insignificant in the fourth and sixth postoperative months. Conclusion. Unilateral mandibular distraction of 5 mm was found to be well tolerated and no degenerative changes were observed histologically in the rabbit TMJs in the long-term period. © 2012 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.