Histologic evaluation of temporomandibular arthritis induced by mild mechanical loading in rabbits.
BACKGROUND
We still lack knowledge of causative factors in arthritis related to temporomandibular disorders (TMD). The goal of the present study was to investigate whether applying a mechanical loading on the glenoid fossa can induce arthritis.


METHODS
Coil springs were placed in 24 rabbits so as to exert a force of 100 g between the orbital edge and the antegonial notch. At 1, 2, 4 and 8 weeks after the surgery, six samples of the temporomandibular joint (TMJ) were removed for histologic examination.


RESULTS
The results showed that mild synovitis began 1-2 weeks after the start of loading, and the degree of synovitis was significant at 4 weeks, and that morphologic changes occurred in the articular eminence and condyle, while type II collagen in the cartilage of the articular eminence degraded prior to that in the condyle.


CONCLUSIONS
Our results revealed that mild, continuous mechanical loading to the glenoid fossa induces synovitis of the articular capsule, and induces organic changes of the articular cartilage without destroying these tissues.
Fujimura
Kazuma
K
Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Kanazawa Medical University, Kahoku-gun, Ishikawa, Japan. 1-kkk@kanazawa-med.ac.jp
Kobayashi
Susumu
S
Suzuki
Toshikazu
T
Segami
Natsuki
N
D000818:Animals; D001168:Arthritis / Q000209:etiology / Q000473:pathology*; D002356:Cartilage / Q000473:pathology; D002358:Cartilage, Articular / Q000473:pathology; D024043:Collagen Type II / Q000032:analysis; D006965:Hyperplasia; D017746:Joint Capsule / Q000473:pathology; D008297:Male; D008335:Mandibular Condyle / Q000473:pathology; D009915:Orbit / Q000503:physiopathology; D011817:Rabbits; D013314:Stress, Mechanical; D013585:Synovitis / Q000209:etiology / Q000473:pathology; D013701:Temporal Bone / Q000473:pathology / Q000503:physiopathology; D013705:Temporomandibular Joint Disorders / Q000209:etiology / Q000473:pathology*; D013997:Time Factors; D016474:Weight-Bearing
D024043:Collagen Type II