An experimental model of osteoarthrosis in the temporomandibular joint of the rabbit

Degenerative changes in the temporomandibular joint were induced in 24 rabbits by surgical perforation of the disk. The incongruence obtained between the joint surfaces caused a gradual increase in macroscopic and microscopic changes, including gross remodeling, loss of tissue volume, and altered cell morphology within a 16-week observation period. These changes occurred concurrently with major alterations in the composition of the matrix, as demonstrated by increase in the glycosaminoglycan content of both condylar cartilage and disk and by loss of hydroxyproline in the disk. The lesions in the disk tissue were clearly discernible, whereas those in the condylar cartilage were less extensive. The described method is concluded to give alterations in the temporomandibular tissues, as seen in degenerative joint disease of an early stage.