Growth effects of instantaneous change in mandibular position: experimental study.
OBJECTIVE
To investigate the mandibular growth pattern in rats during adolescence after altering the position of the mandible in the frontal plane instanteously by two surgical procedures.


METHODS
Mandibular morphology during growth was recorded by cephalometric methods during the 3-week experimental period.


RESULTS
All procedures tested caused an altered mandibular morphology. An overall change was found in the shape of the mandible in the experimental groups, with the jaw being more square compared with the rectangular form found for the mandible in the control group. Condylar growth was abnormal and the cartilage of the experimental groups showed a reduced thickness and distorted morphology, indicating disturbed cellular activity.


CONCLUSIONS
In view of the findings, it was concluded that considerations to instantaneously alter the mandibular position during adolescence may not be advisable.
Schlenker
W
W
Department of Orthodontics, Loma Linda University, CA 92350.
Looi
E
E
Engström
C
C
Walters
R
R
D000367:Age Factors; D000818:Animals; D002508:Cephalometry; D006130:Growth Disorders / Q000209:etiology; D008297:Male; D008334:Mandible / Q000254:growth & development* / Q000601:surgery*; D008335:Mandibular Condyle / Q000254:growth & development; D010027:Osteotomy / Q000009:adverse effects*; D051381:Rats; D017207:Rats, Sprague-Dawley