Abstract: Objective: To study the growth of the mandible after condylar reconstruction by the posterior border of the mandibular ramus. Methods: Twenty growing goats were included in this study and divided into group A(n=10)and B (n=10). The left condyles of all animals were surgically removed and reconstructed by the posterior border of the mandibular ramus and fixed to the mandibular ramus by a L-shape miniplate, and the right side were kept intact as controls. Animals in group A were sacrificed at 48 weeks after operation for the measurement of mandibular growth. Five animals in group B were killed at 24 and 48 weeks after operation for histological examination. Results: No difference was found in mandibular length, mandibular height, ramus height, and ramus width between two sides at 48 weeks postoperatively. The reconstructed condylar size increased significantly. A well-organized fibrocartilage was seen at the neocondylar surface and was similar to the normal articular fibrcartilage. Conclusion: The reconstructed condyle by posterior border of mandibular ramus has the potential to grow under functional stimuli. And the results showed that the new condyle seemed to be an alternative and promising method for condylar reconstruction.

Key words: Temporomandibular joint, Condyle reconstruction, Growth, Posterior border of mandibular ramus, Goat