Mitomycin C Effect on Fibrous Adhesions of Rabbit Temporomandibular Joint

Abstract

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate influence of mitomycin C on fibrosis in temporomandibular joints of rabbits with mandibular traction. STUDY DESIGN: Twenty rabbits (8 control, 12 mitomycin C group) were included. Titanium screws were placed in the anterior edge of the right masseter tuberosity and the posterior part of the right zygoma. Elastic bands were placed between 2 screws to initiate posterio-superior displacement of the mandible to the right. Animals in the control group (CG) received intraarticular NaCl (0.9%) on the nondrawing (left) side, and animals in the study group (SG) received mitomycin C weekly (0.4 mg/mL) for 6 weeks. Rabbits were decapitated, temporomandibular joints were removed, and histopathological investigation was performed. RESULTS: Microscopically, 4 of 6 rabbits in the CG had fibrosis in the temporomandibular joint, whereas only 1 of 11 rabbits in the SG had fibrosis ( P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: Application of mitomycin C to the temporomandibular joint of rabbits significantly reduces formation of intraarticular fibrous adhesions. SIGNIFICANCE: This is the first study in the literature investigating the use of mitomycin C in the joints.