Experimental modelling of temporomandibular joint osteoarthrosis

Experimental modelling of temporomandibular joint (TMJ) osteoarthrosis in rabbits (n = 10) was performed using intra-articular administration of 0.5 ml/3.5 mg rebospan. Complex verification of the created model was performed using ultrasound (on the 21 st and 30th days of observation), histological (on the 30th day) and biochemical (on the 1st, 14th, 21st and 30th days) investigation. Ultrasound picture of osteoarthrosis was observed: osteophytes of the mandible head on the right, its contour was uneven, discontinuous, the thickness of the subchondral-cartilaginous complex on the right was 0.9 mm versus 0.5 mm on the left (p = 0.021), an increase in the capsular-condylar distance of TMJ on the right – lateral size 3.6/4.7 mm versus intact on the left 2.0/3.8 mm (p = 0.011). It was revealed morphological changes of joint tissues characterized of osteoarthrosis: hypoplasia of chondrocytes with loss of polarity of location, depletion zones with acellular areas in the intermediate and basal layers, karyorrhexis and karyopyknosis of synoviocytes, collagen fibers are thickened and fragmented. The dynamics of the inflammation marker CRP content in the blood of animals during modelling indicated an increase in signs of systemic inflammation by the 30th day. Complex verification of TMJ osteoarthrosis experimental model confirmed its validity, which further allows using this model to develop a new surgical method for treating patients.