Distraction osteogenesis in reconstruction of the mandible and temporomandibular joint.

The purpose of this article is to review the origins of temporomandibular joint disease that require joint reconstruction. We discuss our experience with this alternative procedure as an option in patients with pre-existing failed total joints, autoimmune degeneration, traumatic destruction, or congenital hypoplasia or aplasia. We also discuss the procedure as an autogenous alternative to prosthetic reconstruction in patients in whom reconstruction of the mandibular condyle and meniscus is indicated.

Experimental topical tetracycline-induced neuritis in the rat.

Purpose: Recent studies have reported that tetracycline may induce chronic inflammatory responses in the adjacent soft tissues. The purpose of the present study was to determine if dry, powdered tetracycline evoked an inflammatory response in nerve tissue.

Materials And Methods: Twenty male Sprague-Dawley rats were anesthetized and bilateral mental nerves were exposed.