[X-ray changes of temporomandibular joints after indirect trauma].
OBJECTIVE
The aim of this study is to investigate the structural changes of goat's temporomandibular joints (TMJs) after indirect trauma.


METHODS
The trauma to the goat's TMJ achieved under an impact to the right and left mandibular angles using a self-made device. These goats were killed after 2 hours, 7 days, 1 month and 3 months. The goat's TMJs were examined using tomography before being killed, and also checked by using a histological method. The normal temporomandibular joints were treated as the control.


RESULTS
1. The X-ray tomograms: In the early post-trauma stage, the articular cavities were dimmed, and the joint spaces were decreased; the articular surfaces were not smooth, and the structures of TMJ were not clean. Moreover, the stations of the condyle were moved from middle of the fossa to the posterior fossa in the later stage. 2. The histological examination: The condyles exhibited eroded surfaces with osteophytes, the discs were thinned or perforated, and the temporal surfaces were thick-end and the linings were separated.


CONCLUSIONS
The indirect trauma on TMJs of goats can cause the TMJ internal derangement and the osteoarthrosis of TMJs. The X-ray tomography is a very useful method in the long-term monitoring of bone changes in TMJs after trauma.
Hu
K
K
Department of Oral Maxillofacial Surgery, School of Stomatology, Fourth Military Medical University.
Zhou
S
S
Wang
Y
Y
Li
G
G
D000818:Animals; D005260:Female; D006041:Goats; D008297:Male; D008338:Mandibular Injuries / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging*; D013704:Temporomandibular Joint / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging* / Q000293:injuries* / Q000473:pathology; D014056:Tomography, X-Ray