Preserving the posterior superior synovial recess during allograft TMJ diskal condylar transplantation in the adult goat

Objective. The purpose of the study was to test the hypothesis that sparing the posterior superior synovial recess during the resection of temporomandibular joint condyle and disk would maintain a critical mass of synovium necessary to predictably achieve a successful allograft joint reconstruction. Study design. A group of 15 adult goats underwent unilateral resection of their temporomandibular condyle and meniscus. The fossa and posterior superior synovial recess were left intact. They were immediately reconstructed with cryogenically preserved allograft mandibular condyles and temporomandibular joint disk harvested from 15 adult donor goats. The animals were evaluated clinically and radiographically at 6 and 12 months and histologically at 12 months. Results. Of the 15 animals, 13 met all the criteria to be declared a success and retained the posterior superior synovial recess. Conclusion. Immediate joint reconstruction using cryogenically preserved mandibular condyles and temporomandibular joint disk can have a high rate of success if the native posterior superior synovial recess remains intact.