THE EFFECT OF OSTEOTOMY AND OSTEOSYNTHESIS IN THE MANDIBULAR CONDYLE - A RADIOLOGIC AND HISTOLOGIC-STUDY IN SHEEP

Eighteen oblique osteotomies in sheep mandibular condylar necks were f ixed with self-reinforced poly-L-lactide (SR-PLLA) (n = 9) or stainles s steel (n = 9) screws (core diameters 2.4, 2.7, 3.0, or 3.5 mm). No i ntermaxillary fixation (IMF) was applied. The follow-up periods were 6 , 12, and 24 weeks, respectively, after which the sheep were killed, a nd the status of the condylar head was assessed radiographically and h istologically. The results showed that the fixation had been adequate. Bony destruction, osteophytes, and flattening of the condylar head, h owever, were frequently observed in both groups, as compared with the unoperated contralateral condyle. Histologic studies revealed that the thickness of the condylar head cartilage had increased and that the b oundaries of the different cell layers were irregular, as was the junc tion of cartilage and bone. The diameter of the screw did not seem to have any influence on the occurrence of either radiologic or histologi c signs of condylar degeneration. These findings indicate that screw f ixation of condylar fractures in the mandible without IMF might result in degenerative joint disease.