Transplantation of cryogenically preserved mandibular condyles in the adult and juvenile goat.

Loss of a functional temporomandibular joint (TMJ), due to various causes including tumor resection, joint disease such as osteonecrosis, and injury or trauma, has long been a clinical challenge in both children and adults. It may be a significant problem facing physicians during another war. While reconstruction to date has been performed with various prosthetic devices or autogenous costochondral grafts, these procedures have a potential for complications and morbidity. This procedure could adversely delay the return of military members to a combat unit, or affect their ability to serve as functional members of society. Our studies were performed to determine the feasibility of TMJ reconstruction techniques, healing, and long-term function and growth using cryogenically preserved mandibular allografts in the goat. This species was chosen because the surgical anatomy and biomechanics of the goat TMJ are very similar to that of the human. The positive results of the studies and their relevance to future military medical readiness and civilian medicine will be described.