Transport distraction versus costochondral graft for reconstruction of temporomandibular joint ankylosis: which is better?
OBJECTIVE
This study compared the methods of transport distraction and costochondral graft in reconstruction of temporomandibular joint (TMJ) ankylosis.


METHODS
Bilateral bony TMJ ankylosis was induced in 12 adult goats. Transport distraction of the mandibular ramus was performed on one side, whereas costochondral graft was performed on the other side. Jaw movements, TMJ healing, condylar remodeling, and recurrence of ankylosis were assessed by clinical, radiological, and histological examinations.


RESULTS
Both transport distraction and costochondral graft established a neo-condyle separating from the pseudo-disc with a joint space. The ankylosis scores were higher in the distraction side in the first 12 weeks. Both techniques showed no significant difference in the calcification scores and recurrence of ankylosis in the long term. The maximal jaw movements in 3 directions returned to the pre-ankylosis stage by both methods.


CONCLUSIONS
Distraction osteogenesis is an effective reconstruction method for TMJ ankylosis, matching the gold standard of costochondral grafting.
Cheung
Lim K
LK
Discipline of Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery, Faculty of Dentistry, University of Hong Kong, China. lkcheung@hkucc.hku.hk
Zheng
Li Wu
LW
Ma
Li
L
Shi
Xiao Jian
XJ
D000818:Animals; D000844:Ankylosis / Q000601:surgery*; D001178:Arthroplasty; D016723:Bone Remodeling / Q000502:physiology; D016025:Bone Transplantation / Q000379:methods*; D002114:Calcinosis / Q000473:pathology / Q000503:physiopathology; D002356:Cartilage / Q000637:transplantation*; D004195:Disease Models, Animal; D006041:Goats; D008335:Mandibular Condyle / Q000473:pathology / Q000503:physiopathology; D019857:Osteogenesis, Distraction / Q000295:instrumentation / Q000379:methods*; D010027:Osteotomy; D016059:Range of Motion, Articular / Q000502:physiology; D019651:Plastic Surgery Procedures / Q000379:methods*; D012008:Recurrence; D019224:Temporomandibular Joint Disc / Q000473:pathology / Q000503:physiopathology; D013705:Temporomandibular Joint Disorders / Q000601:surgery*; D036542:Tomography, Spiral Computed; D014945:Wound Healing