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Betul Gozel Ulusal

Publications and source records attributed to Betul Gozel Ulusal.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources
PubMed2007

Behavior of the different implant materials in acute infection and efficacy of antibiotherapy: experimental study in rats.

In this study, we propose a comparison of the behaviors of four different implant materials in case of acute infection: expanded polytetrafluoroethylene (e-PTFE), porous high density polyethylene (PHDPE), silicone, and autogenous cartilage tissue. The efficacy of prophylactic and therapeutic antibiotic therapies was also investigated in a rat model as four groups: group A, acute infection and no antibiotic therapy (n = 24); group B, acute infection and prophylactic antibiotic therapy (n = 24); group C, acute infection and therapeutic antibiotic therapy (n = 24); and control, no infection and no antibiotic therapy (n = 24). All materials with dimensions of approximately 1 x 1 cm(2) diameter were implanted separately under the dorsal skin of rats. Staphylococcus aureus was used as the infectious agent and antibiotic therapy was done with seftriaxone (Desefin, I.M., 20 mg/kg/day). Tissue specimens were obtained on postoperative days 14 and 21. Semiquantitative and qualitative alterations existing in the connective tissue neighboring the implant material (reaction zone-capsule tissue), fixation to the host tissue, cellular ingrowth (interstice qualitatively), and infection signs were assessed either macroscopically or microscopically. In group A, all materials were affected negatively that led to continuous regression in the wound healing process. Fixation of the cartilage to the surrounding tissue was weak compared with other groups. Fibrovascular tissue ingrowth in porous implants was delayed, and no regular capsule formation was observed around silicone implants. In group B, outcomes were similar to control groups. Porous materials showed tissue ingrowth into the pores as good as the control group. Regular capsular tissue formed around the silicone implants and cartilage tissues. In group C, where silicone had been used, wound healing was not as good as in group B and the control group. In the e-PTFE group, the granulation tissue forming through the pores did not show a good quality as the control group, and capsule formation around the material was irregular, leading to insufficient fixation. While the wound healing properties of the PHDPE group were not as good as the control group, there was no difference in terms of fixation to the wound bed. On the other hand, wound healing of the cartilage group was as satisfying as the control group.

Animals↗
PubMed2006

Breast reconstruction using the entire transverse abdominal adipocutaneous flap based on unilateral superficial or deep inferior epigastric vessels.

BACKGROUND: Among various alternatives for autologous breast reconstruction, the superficial inferior epigastric artery abdominal flap provides the least donor-site morbidity, as dissection of the rectus abdominis sheath and muscle is not required. However, because of inconsistencies in the existence and size of the superficial inferior epigastric artery, its use is limited. In addition, whether the perfusion from the superficial system is adequate across the midline is still a question to be answered. METHODS: Over a period of 16 months, the authors performed a total of 44 breast reconstructions using either the deep inferior epigastric artery perforator flap (n = 30) or the superficial inferior epigastric artery flap (n = 14). In all cases, the superficial inferior epigastric artery system was explored first and used as the pedicle if the diameter of the available vessels was larger than 1 mm. If the vessels were unavailable or the diameters were smaller than 1 mm, the deep inferior epigastric artery and vein were used as the pedicle. The diameter of the superficial inferior epigastric artery ranged between 0.8 and 3.0 mm, and the mean pedicle length was 6 cm. The superficial inferior epigastric artery was not available in 21 cases (48 percent), and in nine cases (20 percent) the diameter was smaller than 1 mm. In six cases where the superficial inferior epigastric artery was judged to be appropriate, laser Doppler study was performed perioperatively to assess the perfusion of each zone (I through IV) from the deep and superficial systems consecutively. In all cases, the superficial and deep systems ipsilateral to the defect were dissected. During inset, zone IV was not discarded routinely, and 92.3 percent and 86.7 percent of the harvested superficial inferior epigastric artery flap and deep inferior epigastric artery perforator flap, respectively, were used. RESULTS: The flap survival rates were 93 and 100 percent in the superficial inferior epigastric artery and deep inferior epigastric artery perforator groups, respectively. Adequate perfusion of all zones from the superficial system was documented by laser Doppler flowmetry, and the perfusion rates were comparable to the deep system. CONCLUSIONS: The entire abdominal adipocutaneous flap based on the unilateral superficial inferior epigastric artery is as reliable as one based on the deep inferior epigastric artery perforator flap. As a result, initially, the superficial inferior epigastric artery flap should be explored, as it provides less donor-site morbidity. A sizable superficial artery and vein is sufficiently safe for microsurgical transfer, similar to the deep inferior epigastric system.

Adult↗
PubMed2006

The effect of A2A adenosine receptor agonist on composite tissue allotransplant survival: an in vivo preliminary study.

BACKGROUND: In vitro experimental studies showed that A2a receptor agonists reduce allostimulatory functions of the dendritic cells through modulation of surface expression of the costimulatory molecules and down-regulation of cytokines. Similar suppressive effects on dendritic cells have also been observed with Cyclosporine A (CsA). In this study we sought to explore if combined use of these two drugs in vivo could prolong the survival of composite tissue allografts across MHC barriers. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 24 hindlimb transplantations were performed across a major MHC barrier from Brown Norway rats (BN; RT1n) to Lewis rats (Lew; RT1l) In the control group, either isografts (group 1, n = 2) or allografts (group 2, n = 3) were performed and no treatment was given. In the experimental group three kinds of treatment protocols were used: (1) A2a adenosine receptor agonist alone (group 3, n = 6); (2) CsA alone (group 4, n = 7); and (3) A2a adenosine receptor agonist + CsA combined treatment (group 5, n = 6). Mean survival times of each group as well as cytokine levels including IL-2, IL-4, IL-10, INF-gamma, and TNF-alpha were analyzed by ELISA. RESULTS: Isografts survived indefinitely. The mean survival times for allograft groups (group 2 to 5) were 9.8 +/- 1.3, 10.5 +/- 1.0, 29.8 +/- 1.7, and 22 +/- 1.4 days, respectively. Statistically, there was no difference between the allograft control group and the A2a adenosine receptor agonist treated group (P = 0.35). However, survival of the allografts in the CsA-treated group was significantly higher than the A2a adenosine receptor agonist treated (P < 00001) and combined CsA + A2a adenosine receptor agonist treated group (P < 0.0001). In vivo A2a adenosine receptor agonist treatment alone increased the levels of IL-2, INF-gamma, and TNF-alpha, which are important cytokines for induction of allotransplant rejection. However A2a adenosine receptor agonist in combination with CsA significantly reduced the levels of suppressor cytokines IL-4 and IL-10. CONCLUSION: As opposed to the previous in vitro studies, the results from this in vivo study showed that A2a adenosine receptor agonist treatment does not prolong composite tissue allograft survival. Compared to CsA treatment alone, the allotransplant survival was even shorter with the combined treatment. Treatment with A2a adenosine receptor agonist possibly promotes the differentiation of alloreactive CD4 cells predominantly into T-helper 1 phenotype. As a result, the levels of stimulatory cytokines contributing to allograft rejection are increased and suppressor cytokines are reduced, leading to accelerated allograft rejection.

Adenosine↗
PubMed2006

Collaboration with microsurgery prevents arterial complications and provides superior success in partial liver transplantation.

Hepatic artery thrombosis is the most common technical complication in liver transplantation. The objective of this study was to investigate the arterial complications of partial liver transplantation using microsurgical technique. At a period of 31-months, we participated in a total of 42 right lobes, 7 left lobes, and 1 whole-liver liver transplantations from cadaveric (n = 20) or living (n = 30) donors. Hepatic artery anastomosis was performed using microsurgical techniques. All anastomoses were accomplished successfully. Fifteen patients expired postoperatively and 35 hepatic artery anastomoses remained patent at a mean follow-up period of 10.6 +/- 8.4 months. The mean diameters of the donor and recipient hepatic arteries were 2.9 +/- 1.2 mm and 3.2 +/- 1.1 mm, respectively. Specific technical challenges were encountered during operation in eight cases (16%). We have found that microsurgical techniques are not only useful for a superior anastomosis but also reliable to adapt to vascular anomalies with less arterial complications. complications.

Adult↗
PubMed2006

Comparisons of resource costs and success rates between immediate and delayed breast reconstruction using DIEP or SIEA flaps under a well-controlled clinical trial.

BACKGROUND: Every year many patients diagnosed with breast cancer are subjected to mastectomy. Some of them choose to undergo breast reconstruction to restore their body image. Immediate or delayed reconstruction is possible, depending on medical, financial, and emotional considerations. High success rate and cost-effectiveness are two important factors that may guide decision making in the management plan. The objective of this study was to compare the resource costs and success rates of immediate and delayed breast reconstructions using either deep inferior epigastric perforator (DIEP) or superficial inferior epigastric artery (SIEA) flaps. The resource cost is referred to as the cost of operation and hospitalization. METHODS: From September of 2000 through August of 2001, 42 patients underwent immediate (n = 21) or delayed (n = 21) unilateral breast reconstruction using either a DIEP (n = 30) or SIEA (n = 12) flap by one surgeon. RESULTS: There were no statistical differences in resource costs, success, and complication rates between DIEP and SIEA flaps in both the immediate and delayed breast reconstruction groups. CONCLUSIONS: Using either a DIEP or SIEA flap as the autologous tissue, delayed breast reconstruction is as cost-effective as immediate reconstruction.

Adult↗
PubMed2006

Simultaneous endoscope-assisted contralateral breast augmentation with implants in patients undergoing postmastectomy breast reconstruction with abdominal flaps.

BACKGROUND: Unilateral breast reconstruction after mastectomy provides the challenge of achieving symmetry with the opposite side. Reduction mastopexy is a common balancing procedure for the contralateral breast used to achieve pleasing and symmetrical breasts. Although symmetry is the ultimate goal, some women have a hypoplastic and/or ptotic contralateral breast, and the recreation of this shape would therefore not be desirable. METHODS: From April of 2000 to April of 2005, a total of 158 patients underwent postmastectomy breast reconstruction using either free deep inferior epigastric perforator flaps (n = 142) or superficial inferior epigastric artery flaps (n = 16) at Chang Gung Memorial Hospital. Of the 158 patients, 19 (12.0 percent) underwent endoscope-assisted placement of implants into the contralateral breast at the same surgical stage to form a more pleasing breast mound. Mean patient age was 46.1 +/- 7.6 years. All patients had a slender body habitus, with small to medium-sized breasts. Saline-filled implants were placed in a submuscular position with the assistance of endoscopy. Five different incisions for access were used: transaxillary (n = 6), Port-A-Cath catheter scar (n = 4), inframammary (n = 1), biopsy scar (n = 1), and transmidline (n = 7). RESULTS: The success rate was 100 percent, with complete survival of the 19 flaps. In three patients, revision procedures were carried out at 12 to 44 months' follow-up because of implant leakage, capsular contracture, and nipple ptosis (one patient each). The remaining patients were highly satisfied with the cosmetic result, and symmetry was achieved, with soft, natural appearing breasts during the follow-up period of 29.2 +/- 16.9 months. The transmidline approach was superior to the other routes, because no additional scar was produced and access was easier. CONCLUSIONS: Contralateral breast augmentation at the same stage with deep inferior epigastric perforator or superficial inferior epigastric artery flap surgery can be performed with high success rates and poses no surgical risks or morbidity to patients. The combined procedure does not significantly extend the time of operation, and aesthetically pleasing results and symmetry can be achieved and sustained over the long term.

Abdomen↗
PubMed2006

Nipple reduction using the modified top hat flap.

BACKGROUND: Large nipples, disproportionate to the small areola and breast size, are an ethnic characteristic frequently encountered among Asian female patients. Patients seek correction to improve cosmesis and alleviate psychological and physical discomfort. The authors present a new technique of nipple reduction and describe its potential advantages over other techniques. METHODS: Between March of 2003 and April of 2005, 34 nipple reductions were performed in 19 female patients (mean age, 40.5 +/- 5.6 years) using the modified top hat flap. The neonipple is designed to reduce the nipple diameter at the superior pole of the nipple while preserving the subdermal plexus. A crescent-shaped section of nipple skin below the proposed neonipple is excised, maintaining the integrity of the neonipple and the central nipple core. Two lateral wing flaps are elevated and trimmed to reduce both nipple height and diameter at the lateral walls of the nipple. The flaps of the neonipple are then sutured to the areola. RESULTS: Postoperative recovery was rapid and uneventful and no complications were encountered. The mean diameter of the hypertrophic nipple was 16.3 +/- 2.6 mm (range, 16 to 30 mm). The mean diameter of the neonipple was 7.9 +/- 1.7 mm (range, 5 to 11 mm), with an average reduction of 8.4 +/- 1.6 mm (range, 5 to 20 mm). At 17.2 +/- 2.9 months of follow-up, the neonipple had a natural appearance, with less projection and an inconspicuous scar. There was no statistically significant difference on monofilament sensation testing (p = 0.5829) between reduction nipple and areola in 11 nipples of seven patients. CONCLUSIONS: The modified top hat flap requires minimal preoperative planning, is easy to perform, and yields reproducible results. This technique decreases both the diameter and height of any size nipple and can be modified to meet patient preferences. Because the continuity of the neonipple with the subdermal arterial plexus is maintained and the majority of the parenchymal elements are preserved, nipple sensation and circulation remain largely unaffected.

Adult↗
PubMed2006

Reverse first dorsal metatarsal artery flap for reconstruction of traumatic defects of dorsal great toe.

BACKGROUND: Soft-tissue defects of the great toe that include exposed tendon and bone present a reconstructive challenge for plastic surgeons. This study investigates the feasibility and reliability of reverse first dorsal metatarsal artery flap (FDMA) for reconstruction of the dorsal great toe soft-tissue defects. METHODS: Six male patients with dorsal great toe defects (mean 2.2 x 4.7 cm) underwent reconstruction using the reverse FDMA flap. Preoperative angiography was performed to confirm the existence and patency of the distal communicating artery between the FDMA and plantar metatarsal artery. The flap was raised by dividing the dorsalis pedis artery and proximal communicating arteries and rotated 180 degrees to cover the defect. RESULTS: All flaps survived completely. Mean follow-up time was 3.3 months. Painless full range of motion was recovered and the contour of the flap was satisfactory. All patients returned to their normal walking and running activities and none necessitated special footwear. No donor-site morbidity was encountered. CONCLUSION: Reverse FDMA flap presents a viable alternative for reconstruction of soft-tissue defects of dorsal great toe when local flap coverage is required. Because of anatomic variations, preoperative angiography is necessary for successful reconstruction, especially in patients with comorbidities affecting patency of their vasculature.

Adult↗
PubMed2005

Usefulness of combined continuous suture and interrupted tie technique in hindlimb composite tissue allotransplantation in rats.

According to our experience of over 100 hindlimb transplantations, in rats, catching the posterior wall with an anterior wall suture is the most common cause of thrombosis and acute transplant failure. It is generally due to inadequate visibility of the lumen and consequent blind suture placement. With an intention to find a superior suture technique, a comparative study between standard end-to-end interrupted and combined continuous sutures and interrupted tie techniques was performed. Twenty hindlimb transplantations to rats' femoral vessels were performed in each group. Anastomosis time, patency, complications, and animal and transplant survivals were compared. In the interrupted suture group (group I), anastomosis failure was encountered in one vein, with 95% of immediate patency rate. A redo of the venous anastomosis was performed and successful. The combined suture technique (group II) had 100% patency rates without complications. The average time for arterial anastomosis in groups I and II was 8.5 and 8.9 min, and for venous anastomosis, 10.7 and 9.6 min, respectively. At 2 weeks, no differences were found between groups as related to transplant and animal survival.

Anastomosis, Surgical↗
PubMed2005

Heterotopic hindlimb allotransplantation in rats: an alternative model for immunological research in composite-tissue allotransplantation.

A nonfunctional heterotopic hindlimb allotransplantation model is presented, and a study was performed between this model and standard orthotopic hindlimb transplantation to compare operation and ischemia time, overall morbidity, and mortality rates. In this model, the skin component of the hindlimb was stripped away to the ankle level, and the remaining part along with the vascularized epigastric skin was transplanted heterotopically to the inguinal space of the recipient. No osteotomy and intramedullary fixation were performed. Thirty heterotopic and orthotopic hindlimb transplantations were performed in two groups. Each group involved 15 transplantations from inbred, male Brown Norway (BN; RT1n) weighing 150-200 g to Lewis rats (LEW; RT1(1)) weighing 250-300 g. The animals were followed up for 2 weeks under immunosuppression with cyclosporine A (16 mg/kg/day). Mean operation times for heterotopic and orthotopic hindlimb transplantations were 60 and 105 min, with ischemia times of 35 and 85 min, respectively. No animal deaths or major complications were encountered in heterotopic hindlimb transplantation during the follow-up period. Seroma formation was observed in one animal as the only minor complication. The mortality rate for orthotopic hindlimb transplantation was 26.7%, and there were minor complications in 35%, including infection, ulceration, and loss of rigid fixation. This model circumvents the disadvantages of osteotomy and intramedullary fixation, which may increase the risk of blood loss, embolus, and infection in immunosuppressed animals. It also helps avoid tension or kinking on the anastomosis due to inadequate judgment of the osteotomy level, distortion associated with loss of rigid fixation, and weight mismatch between donor and recipient. From the immunological point of view, insult to bone marrow is avoided, and a relatively constant amount of bone marrow is introduced to be used in chimerism-based tolerance studies. We recommend this model for composite-tissue allotransplantation studies when functional recovery is not of primary importance.

Animals↗
PubMed2005

Reconstruction of foot defects with free lateral arm fasciocutaneous flaps: analysis of fifty patients.

In this article, long-term outcomes of foot reconstruction with free lateral arm fasciocutaneous flaps were retrospectively analyzed in 50 patients. The patients, 38 men and 12 women, ranged in age from 7-73 years (mean, 43.5 years). Indications for surgery included trauma (32 patients), diabetes mellitus (7 patients), burns (7 patients), chronic ulcers (3 patients), and tumor (1 patient). The locations of defects were the dorsum (n=21), ankle (n=12), medial (n=6), lateral (n=6), posterior heel (n=2), and distal sole (n=3) Concomitant bone injury occurred in 5 cases, and the weight-bearing surface of the foot was involved in 5 patients. Defects ranged in size from 27-76 cm(2) (mean, 36.4 cm(2)). Successful reconstructions were accomplished in 46 cases (92%). Flap complications included total flap loss and below-knee amputation (1 patient) and partial flap loss (3 patients); 75% (3/4) of these cases had diabetes as a comorbid factor, and 25% (1/4) had a concomitant bone injury. Six patients with dorsum defects required debulking of the flap (11.1%). None of the patients required modified shoes. In the majority of cases, flaps provided stable coverage and a gain in protective deep-pressure sensation. In long-term follow-up (up to 4 years), patients regained their ambulation, free of pain. Even in weight-bearing areas, none of the cases experienced ulceration or skin breakdown. Free lateral arm flaps provided excellent durability, with solid bony union and successful restoration of the contour of the foot in moderate-sized foot defects.

Adolescent↗
PubMed2005

Pectoral skin flap as a reliable and simple model for vascularized composite skin transplantation research.

In this study, the authors explored the feasibility of transplanting a "pectoral skin flap" as an alternative model for composite skin allotransplantation research. Genetically inbred male Lewis rats (LEW; RT1l) (n = 13), weighing 250 to 300 gr, were used as recipients and Brown Norway rats (BN; RT1n) (n = 8) rats were used as donors. Five Brown Norway rats had bilateral and three had unilateral flap harvest with a total of 13 flap transplantations to Lewis rats. All flaps were transplanted to the groin regions of the recipients and microsurgical anastomoses with 10-0 nylon were performed between the axillary vessels of the flaps and the femoral vessels of the recipient animals. The mean operation time was 55 min, with an ischemia time of 25 min. All transplantations were successful immediately postoperatively. The recipient animals were treated with Cyclosporine A (16 mg/kg/day) from the day of the surgery for 1 week, and then discontinued. One flap developed infection at postoperative day 11 and one flap had partial (50 percent) necrosis. The early signs of rejection started 8 to 9 days after the cessation of the immunosuppressive treatment, and all flaps were acutely and uniformly rejected within 3 to 4 days. The feasibility of harvesting two flaps from one donor animal allowed saving donor animal lives and reducing donor-specific variables.

Animals↗
PubMed2005

Establishing a composite auricle allotransplantation model in rats: introduction to transplantation of facial subunits.

BACKGROUND: Allografts from cadaveric sources may be an alternative for replacing the missing auricle. In this report, the technical aspects of orthotopic composite auricle allotransplantation and an effective short-term immunosuppression protocol in a rat model are described. METHODS: A total of seven transplantations were performed in the experimental group. The donors were Brown Norway (RT1(n)) rats and the recipients were Lewis (RT1(1)) rats. In the pilot study, 11 isotransplantations (Lewis to Lewis) were performed in either heterotopic (n = 4) or orthotopic (n = 7) locations to establish the surgical technique. Composite auricle allografts were harvested and transplanted based on the posterior facial vein, the external carotid artery, and the great auricular nerve. A plastic square mold sutured over the transplants was used to prevent mechanical trauma to the transplants. Cyclosporine A initiated as 16 mg/kg/day for 2 weeks and tapered to a dosage of 8 mg/kg/day for another 2 weeks was the only immunosuppression regimen. RESULTS: All allografts survived with perfect viability for the follow-up period of 30 days. There were no signs of rejection, infection, or graft-versus-host disease, although significant weight loss was observed resulting from the immunosuppressive treatment. However, signs of rejection started 4 to 6 days after cessation of the cyclosporine A treatment, including edema, localized epidermal desquamation, and erythema formation that eventually progressed to necrosis within 11 to 14 days. The histologic outcomes were well correlated with the macroscopic appearance. CONCLUSIONS: It is feasible to elevate and transplant the composite auricle in rats as a single neurosensorial facial subunit. A tapered dose of cyclosporine A from 16 mg/kg to 8 mg/kg allows maintaining allograft survival for 30 days across a strong major histocompatibility complex barrier. This model is reliable and reproducible and has the potential to be used for future immunologic studies to prevent or to induce transplantation tolerance.

Animals↗
PubMed2005

Temporary assisting suspension suture technique for successful microvascular anastomosis of extremely small and thin walled vessels for mice transplantation surgery.

Dissection and microsurgical anastomosis in small and thin-walled vessels is challenging. Temporary assisting suspension suture technique was developed to overcome those difficulties in establishing successful composite tissue allotransplantation in mice. The operations were performed in 12- to 16-week-old Balb/c mice weighing 25 to 30 grams as both donor and recipient animals. Extended vascularized groin cutaneous flaps based on the superficial epigastric vessels were used. A total of 10 groin cutaneous flaps were transplanted. Three temporary assisting suspension sutures of 11-0 nylon were placed at the 12-, 4-, and 8-o'clock positions to donor and recipient artery and vein before the anastomosis. This technique allowed atraumatic dissection of delicate and thin vessels, prevented vessel wall collapse, and facilitated adequate exposure of the lumen during placement of the permanent microvascular sutures. Thus, the microvascular anastomosis was performed in an unusual manner. The temporary assisting suspension sutures were removed just before the permanent suture was tied down. The mean operation time was 1 hour and 45 minutes with an ischemia time of 1 hour. Ninety-percent success in immediate and late-term patency rates was achieved, which was confirmed by transplant survival. This technique was proven to be useful for microvascular anastomosis in thin-walled vessels and is recommended.

Anastomosis, Surgical↗
PubMed2005

Deep inferior epigastric perforator flap for successful simultaneous breast and chest wall reconstruction in a Poland anomaly patient.

Breast reconstruction in female Poland anomaly remains a surgical challenge with variable chest wall deformity and nipple position. Pedicled latissimus dorsi myocutaneous flap with implant reconstruction may have several drawbacks and complications. Free deep inferior epigastric flap (DIEP) flap is a reliable option for postmastectomy breast reconstruction, but rarely reported in Poland anomaly. We presented a 52-year-old Poland anomaly patient who underwent successful reconstruction for breast and chest wall deformity using DIEP flap. Preoperative ultrasound Doppler study for internal mammary vessels is recommended for microsurgical anastomosis. Care should be taken with regard to the flap inset and the location of the nipple areolar complex.

Abdominal Muscles↗
PubMed2004

The role of trauma on temporomandibular joint ankylosis and mandibular growth retardation: an experimental study.

The purpose of this pilot study was to analyze the role of different types of trauma in the formation of temporomandibular joint ankylosis. The specific aim was to explore the physical and histological effects of trauma on temporomandibular joint and mandibular growth. Fifty-five growing white male guinea pigs were used for the study. Initially, cadaveric studies were performed (n = 1) to assess the topographic anatomy of the temporomandibular joint region. Animals were then assigned to pilot (n = 4), experimental (n = 40), and control (n = 10) groups. The pilot group was used to assess the technical feasibility of creating various trauma types and endurance of the animals to the surgery. Four types of trauma were carried out in the experimental group: A) intra-articular hematoma (n = 10), B) mechanical damage to the articular surface (n = 10), C) fracture of the condyle neck (n = 10), and D) excision of the condyle head (n = 10). Each trauma group was further divided into two subgroups. Procedures were performed unilaterally or bilaterally in the subgroups. In the control group, no procedure was performed. Subjects were examined after a 2-month follow-up period. The development and anatomical structure of the mandible were evaluated, and histopathological assessment of the temporomandibular joint was carried out in each group. The results revealed that hyaline cartilage of the condylar head had an important role in the development of the mandible and traumas targeting this site may cause ankylosis, growth retardation, and resultant facial malformations. Hence, mechanical damage to the articular surface (B1, B2) and resection of the condylar head (D1, D2) almost always resulted in ankylosis. Intra-articular hematoma alone (A1, A2) was established not be a causative factor for ankylosis formation, however.

Animals↗