Total reconstruction of the temporomandibular joint with cryogenically preserved allograft mandibular condyle, meniscus, and fossa in the adult goat.

Objective: The purpose of this study was to determine the feasibility of total temporomandibular joint reconstruction with the use of cryogenically preserved allograft mandibular condyle, disk, and fossa in the adult goat.

Study Design: This study consisted of an experimental group of 10 adult goats that underwent total resection of their temporomandibular joints. These animals were immediately reconstructed with cryogenically preserved mandibular condyles, disks, and fossa. These allograft were harvested from 10 donor animals matched to the recipient animal with respect to age, sex, and head dimensions. These grafts were harvested and stored at -185 degrees C for several months before implantation. At 2 years after surgery, the animals were killed. They were evaluated, clinically, radiographically, and histologically.

Results: Fifty percent of the eight surviving animals had a normal clinically functional joint with an intact superior joint space and viable articular surfaces.

Conclusion: The authors conclude that this temporomandibular joint reconstruction technique is feasible in the adult goat model and is deserving of further research.