A comparative study on meniscectomy and autogenous graft replacement of the Rhesus monkey temporomandibular joint articular disc - Part I

The aims of this study were to compare the effects of meniscectomy and auto genous graft replacement on the functions and histology of the Rhesus monke y temporomandibular joint. Eight matured Rhesus monkeys (Macaca mulatta) we re used for the first part of the study to compare firstly the results of m eniscectomy without replacement and secondly, replacement of the disc with a fascia lata graft. The results showed that unilateral meniscectomy in Rhe sus monkeys did not result in significant morbidity. Degenerative changes ( osteoarthritis) were observed in all the experimental joints with and witho ut replacement of the articular discs. Fascia lata did not survive after gr afting and did not reliably induce re-formation of an articular disc-like s tructure.