Regeneration of defects in the articular cartilage in rabbit temporomandibular joints by bone morphogenetic protein-2.

The purpose of this study was to investigate the therapeutic use of recombinant human bone morphogenetic protein-2 (rhBMP-2) in internally deranged temporomandibular joints (TMJ). Defects (2 mm in diameter) were created in the surface of the condylar head. Lyophilized rhBMP-2 with collagen as the carrier was implanted in the defects in different doses: rhBMP-2 15 microg (n = 5); rhBMP-2 3 microg (n = 5); rhBMP-2 0.6 microg (n = 5). In the two control groups, the defects were either filled with collagen alone (n = 5) or left untreated (n = 5). Three weeks postoperatively the sites of defects were examined under light microscopy. In the 15 micromg and the 3 microg groups, new cartilage had filled the defects; endochondral ossification was also found deep within the defect. In the 0.6 microg group, fibrous tissue was proliferating in most areas of the defect, although cartilage was also found in some parts. In the two control groups, there was either soft tissue repair only or no evidence of tissue repair. These findings suggest that BMP-2 could stimulate the repair of defects in the articular cartilage of the mandibular condyle head during the 3 weeks postoperatively. To observe the progress of endochondral ossification in more detail, it may be necessary to extend the experiment for a longer period of time. However, this study supports the contention that BMP-2 may be useful in the regeneration of cartilage in TMJ disease. Copyright 2002 The British Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons.