The effect of osteotomy and osteosynthesis in the mandibular condyle. A radiologic and histologic study in sheep.
Eighteen oblique osteotomies in sheep mandibular condylar necks were fixed with self-reinforced poly-L-lactide (SR-PLLA) (n = 9) or stainless steel (n = 9) screws (core diameters 2.4, 2.7, 3.0, or 3.5 mm). No intermaxillary fixation (IMF) was applied. The follow-up periods were 6, 12, and 24 weeks, respectively, after which the sheep were killed, and the status of the condylar head was assessed radiographically and histologically. The results showed that the fixation had been adequate. Bony destruction, osteophytes, and flattening of the condylar head, however, were frequently observed in both groups, as compared with the unoperated contralateral condyle. Histologic studies revealed that the thickness of the condylar head cartilage had increased and that the boundaries of the different cell layers were irregular, as was the junction of cartilage and bone. The diameter of the screw did not seem to have any influence on the occurrence of either radiologic or histologic signs of condylar degeneration. These findings indicate that screw fixation of condylar fractures in the mandible without IMF might result in degenerative joint disease.
Suuronen
R
R
Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Helsinki University Central Hospital, Finland.
Vainionpää
S
S
Hietanen
J
J
Vasenius
J
J
Lindqvist
C
C
D000818:Animals; D001861:Bone Regeneration; D001862:Bone Resorption / Q000209:etiology; D001863:Bone Screws; D002356:Cartilage / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000473:pathology; D005593:Fracture Fixation, Internal / Q000295:instrumentation / Q000379:methods; D008335:Mandibular Condyle / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000293:injuries / Q000473:pathology / Q000601:surgery*; D008336:Mandibular Diseases / Q000209:etiology; D008337:Mandibular Fractures / Q000601:surgery; D010026:Osteosclerosis / Q000209:etiology; D010027:Osteotomy / Q000295:instrumentation / Q000379:methods; D011091:Polyesters; D011859:Radiography; D012756:Sheep; D013193:Stainless Steel
D011091:Polyesters; D013193:Stainless Steel; C033616:poly(lactide)