Clinical and Histological Experimental Investigation of Temporomandibular Joint Traumatic Arthritis

Objective: To investigate the symptoms and pathology related to classification of temporomandibular joint traumatic arthritis (TMJTA) and the use of classification of various forms. Methods: The clinical and imaging data of 41 patients with TMJTA caused by joint blunt trauma, 32 patients with chronic TMJTA caused by condylar fractures and 6 patients with a long time opening limitation after condylar fractures were included in the present study. In addition, the pathology of an experimental rabbit model of traumatic arthritis model of rabbit was examinedand investigated pathologically. Results: Joint movement restriction was found in most patients with TMJTA. The iImaging results findingsrevealed were bony degenerative changes, disc displacement, and joint adhesion in the patients with TMJTA caused by blunt trauma and condylar deformity in the patients with TMJTA caused by condylar fractures. In the experimental rabbits, hemorrhages, and condylar and disc damage could be seen in the early stage and signs of repair were seenrepairing action in the later stage of acute trauma.Conclusion: The causes of TMJTA canould be classified into two types: which was caused by joint blunt trauma and condylar fractures. The time boundary of acute and chronic TMJTA caused by blunt trauma and TMJTA caused by condyle fractures was suggested as one and six months respectively. The time boundary of acute and chronic TMJTA caused by blunt trauma and TMJTA caused by condylar fractures was suggested as one month and half a year respectively.