[Total resection of the zygomatic arch in the growth period: experimental study in rats].

The results obtained after total unilateral resection of the zygomatic arch in Wistar rats were evaluated by means of cephalometric measurements. The resection of the right zygomatic arch was carried out in one-month-old rats, and the animals were sacrificed two months later. The skull and hemimandibles were submitted to axial and lateral radiographic incidences. Based on the obtained radiographs, measurements were carried out by means of a computer system, which compared both sides of the specimens. The obtained values were submitted to statistical analysis. There was significant difference as to the extent of the temporal fossa, but there was no significant difference as to other measures of the maxilla. There was significant difference between both sides regarding the height of the body and the length of the base of the mandible.