title: Temporo-mandibular joint condylectomy and its effect over occlusion in cats: cadaveric study.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To determine the effect of unilateral condylectomy on dental occlusion in cats.
  
  
  METHODS
  Twelve feline cadaver heads were randomly submitted to either a right or left unilateral condylectomy of the temporo-mandibular joint. The distance between the mandibular and maxillary canine tooth was measured before (B0) and after the unilateral condylectomy (P0). A right or left latero--lateral standardised force (4 N) was applied to the mandibular mentus area before and after the surgical procedure. These measurements were analysed with a linear model for repeated measures.
  
  
  RESULTS
  The comparative analysis between pre- and postsurgical values indicated no significant variation in teeth displacement following condylectomy between B0 and P0 measurements. Statistically significant differences were detected after either left or right condylectomy with respect to all measurements after application of the standardised forces. Occlusion changes are significant when comparing bites before and after surgery.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Unilateral condylectomy causes a significant increase in latero-lateral amplitude of jaw movement which might clinically affect feline dental occlusion. Clinical studies are required to determine the effect of unilateral condylectomies on mastication and dental occlusion in feline patients.
authors.affiliation: Department of Clinical Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Montreal, 1525 rue des veterinaires, Saint-Hyacinthe, Quebec, Canada J2S 7C6.
authors.forename: A O
authors.initials: AO
authors.lastname: El-Warrak
authors.forename: G A
authors.initials: GA
authors.lastname: Ferrer
authors.forename: T
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Lanthier
authors.forename: B
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Loureiro Silva
authors.forename: L O
authors.initials: LO
authors.lastname: El-Warrak
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D002102:Cadaver; D002371:Cat Diseases / Q000601:surgery; D002415:Cats / Q000502:physiology / Q000601:surgery*; D003766:Dental Occlusion; D003799:Dental Stress Analysis; D008335:Mandibular Condyle / Q000002:abnormalities / Q000601:surgery*; D008409:Mastication / Q000502:physiology*; D013704:Temporomandibular Joint / Q000601:surgery*; D013705:Temporomandibular Joint Disorders / Q000601:surgery / Q000662:veterinary