Methods: The present experimental study was performed in growing rats by a common condyle fracture model accompanying with damage in disc and condylar cartilage (experimental group,n=12),and the sham-operated growing rats was as the control group(n=10). Two rats in experimental group were sacrificed 24 hours after operation, and the result following surgical intervention was observed. Each rat's body weight in two groups was monitored and recorded at 1 week, 2 weeks, 4 weeks, 6 weeks, 8 weeks, 10 weeks and 12 weeks after operation. At 12 weeks after the operation, the animals were sacrificed and the prognosis in the two groups was compared by mandible deviation measure, body weight evaluation,X-ray examination and histological observation.
Results: All animals in control group showed normal body weight increase, and none of them has abnormal histopathological change in the articular and condylar tissue. However, animals from the experimental group present slow body weight increase and obvious mandible deviation, and all involved TMJs show fibrous ankylosis in various degrees.
Conclusion: The damage to the condylar cartilage and disc in condylar fracture may play important role in the development of traumatic TMJ ankylosis in growing period.