Cranial Bone Graft to Reconstruct the Mandibular Condyle Experimental Study

Reconstruction of file adult temprornandibular joint because congenital developmental, or acquired deformities continues to challenge the oral and maxillofacial surgeon. A successfully reconstructed TMJ should. reproducer normal Joint structure, provide functional articulation, and permit adaptive growth or remodeling. Difficulty in- achieving these treatment goals is illustrated by the multiplicity of autogenous, and ^allogenic. materials proposed, or currently used to reconstruct, the TMJ.& #039, Ilie major difficulties faced by the clinician are 1. The unpredictable results after grafting procedures because of growth or resorption of transplanted autogenous graft resulting in mal-occlusion or facial asynirnetry.2. Jaw hypo-mobility caused by difficulty achieving early, vigorous physical therapy.3. Complications, associated with, atloplastle materials such as foreign body reaction, erosion of the glenoid fossa, decreased range of motion, and development of loose screws with subsequent loss of stability. To address, clinical of TMJ reconstruct, we developed an animal model in which the mandibular condyle was reconstructed using a full-thickness cranial bone graft. The use of cranial bone graft for reconstruction of the condyle has not been described in the literature to our& #039, -knowledge. Cranial bone grafts are commonly used for reconstruction of the facial skeleton in the form of onlay or interpositial grafts. Clinical advantages of cranial bone grafts include decreased donor site-pain, minimal morbidity. The donor site is commonly in the same operative field. The graft consolidate and matures in a time frame comparable to that of rib or ileum, and it can be harvested with a straight or convex contour of importance for TMJ reconstruction. Cranial bone exhibits an increased volume of graft survival, with minimal resorption or remodeling of the graft when compared with ileum or rib. In addition, cranial bone is more dense than other autologous grafts and may allow early functioning with a decreased risk of failure. Consequently, we hypothesized that use of cranial bone grafts may provide a more predictable result when used to reconstruct the condyle.