Unilateral mandibular condylectomy in lambs

The purpose of this experimental study was to investigate the degree of regeneration of the mandibular condyle after unilateral condylectomy in 10-week-old lambs. The lambs were killed three months after the operation, and the joints examined radiologically and histologically. Scoring systems were used to assess the radiological changes and histological regeneration of the condyle. All joints showed regeneration of the condylar head postoperatively. The maximum degree of regeneration occurred on the medial side rather than the central or lateral areas. There was a significant correlation among the medial, central, and lateral planes (P<0.05). The reformed articular cartilage was irregular and thin (P<0.01), and the disc was thick in the central plane (P<0.01) compared with the control joints. The temporal bone was normal. This study shows that unilateral condylectomy in the growing period results in some condylar regeneration particularly on the medial side and reformation of some irregular and thin articular cartilage.