Effect of mandibular distraction osteogenesis on the temporomandibular joint: a systematic review of animal experimental studies

• Published in: Oral surgery, oral medicine, oral pathology and oral radiology oral medicine, oral pathology and oral radiology, 2014-04, Vol.117 (4), p.407-415
• Main Authors: Andersen, Kristian, DDS, Pedersen, Thomas Klit, DDS, PhD, Hauge, Ellen Margrethe, MD, PhD, Schou, Søren, DDS, PhD, Nørholt, Sven Erik, DDS, PhD
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Adaptation, Physiological; Animals; Cartilage, Articular - physiopathology; Dental Stress Analysis; Dentistry; Models, Animal; Osteogenesis, Distraction; Surgery; Temporomandibular Joint - physiopathology; Temporomandibular Joint Disc - physiopathology
• ISSN: 2212-4403; 2212-4411
• DOI: 10.1016/j.oooo.2013.12.405

Objective The present systematic review aimed to test the hypothesis of no effect of mandibular distraction osteogenesis on the temporomandibular joint. Study Design Animal experimental studies from January 1985 to August 2013 were included. Studies were searched in PubMed, Embase, Scopus, and the Cochrane Library. A total of 289 articles were identified, and 17 were included. Results Included studies were characterized by a high risk of bias and by inhomogeneity related to animal species, experimental procedures, and evaluation methods. Mandibular distraction osteogenesis within physiologic limits may be followed by adaptive changes in bone, disk, and cartilage. Increased daily rates and total activation length may influence the severity of the adaptive changes. Conclusions Animal experimental studies indicate that mandibular distraction osteogenesis may induce adaptive changes in the temporomandibular joint. Adaptive changes may be influenced by increased daily rates and total length of distraction osteogenesis. Well-designed studies are needed before final conclusions can be drawn.