Unilateral mandibular condylectomy in lambs

The purpose of this experimental study was to investigate the degree of reg eneration of the mandibular condyle after unilateral condylectomy in 10-wee k-old lambs. The lambs were killed three months after the operation, and th e joints examined radiologically and histologically. Scoring systems were u sed to assess the radiological changes and histological regeneration of the condyle. All joints showed regeneration of the condylar head postoperative ly. The maximum degree of regeneration occurred on the medial side rather t han the central or lateral areas. There was a significant correlation among the medial, central, and lateral planes (P<0.05). The reformed articular c artilage was irregular and thin (P<0.01), and the disc was thick in the cen tral plane (P<0.01) compared with the control joints. The temporal bone was normal. This study shows that unilateral condylectomy in the growing perio d results in some condylar regeneration particularly on the medial side and reformation of some irregular and thin articular cartilage. (C) 2001 The B ritish Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons.