The short-term effect of autogenous auricular cartilage graft following discectomy on the osteoarthrotic temporomandibular joint in sheep.

The aim of this experimental study was to determine the effect of auricular cartilage graft replacement on the progression of experimentally induced osteoarthrosis in sheep. Bilateral osteoarthrosis was induced in the sheep temporomandibular joint (TMJ). Three months later, discectomy and autogenous auricular cartilage grafting were performed unilaterally. At sacrifice, three months postrepair and six months postinduction of osteoarthrosis, it was found that the untreated side had extensive condylar osteoarthrosis and the grafted side showed evidence of fibrous repair. The graft prevented intra-articular adhesions and reduced degenerative changes, but there was a tendency towards graft perforation. Auricular cartilage grafting was effective in minimizing osteoarthrotic effects on the TMJ in the early stages after grafting.