The healing and morphologic changes of the temporomandibular joint (TMJ) after partial diskectomy in rabbits were investigated histologically and histochemically.
The results obtained were as follows:
1. The most frequently observed morphologic changes in the TMJ were flattening of the articular eminence and mandibular condyle. The healing took place with reconstruction of the TMJ, resulting in functional remodeling.
2. There was no regeneration of the articular disk. Calcification and bone formations were observed in the remaining disks in 24 weeks survival rabbits.
3. Healing process of TMJ components after diskectomy was considered slower and less smooth as compared with those of complete diskectomy experiments.
