The effect of surgically induced anterior disc displacement of the temporomandibular joint on the midface and cranial base.
OBJECTIVE
The purpose of this study is to investigate the effect of unilateral TMJ disc displacement on the midface and cranial base.


METHODS
Thirteen 10-week-old rabbits, eight controls and five experimental were included in this study. The five experimental rabbits had surgically created unilateral disc displacement. Animals were sacrificed at 22 weeks and frontal, occlusal, and lateral oblique radiographs were made of the skulls.


RESULTS
The occlusal radiograph demonstrated that the glenoid fossa on the experimental side was located more anterior. The oblique radiograph demonstrated the root of the zygomatic arch the experimental side was inferior. The anterior aspect of the fossa was more inferior on the frontal radiograph.


CONCLUSIONS
A previous study suggested a shortening in the ramal height. This study suggests an alteration of the cranial articular fossa. Thus, it is suggested that disc displacement is capable of producing asymmetry in the developing mandible and cranial base.
Qadan
S
S
Department of Dentistry, Program in Orthodontics, University of Rochester, Eastman Dental Center, New York 14620, USA.
Macher
D J
DJ
Tallents
R H
RH
Kyrkanides
S
S
Moss
M E
ME
D000818:Animals; D004195:Disease Models, Animal; D005146:Facial Asymmetry / Q000209:etiology*; D005147:Facial Bones / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000254:growth & development / Q000473:pathology; D004204:Joint Dislocations / Q000150:complications*; D008335:Mandibular Condyle / Q000473:pathology; D008445:Maxillofacial Development; D011817:Rabbits; D011859:Radiography; D019291:Skull Base / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000254:growth & development / Q000473:pathology; D019224:Temporomandibular Joint Disc / Q000293:injuries / Q000473:pathology*; D013705:Temporomandibular Joint Disorders / Q000150:complications*