Influence on the temporomandibular joint induced by mandibular malpositioning caused by vertical dimension elevation and occlusal loss in adult rats: An imaging, histological and immunohistochemical study

Mandibular malpositioning may result in an abnormal concentration of stresses within the temporomandibular joint (TMJ) in adult rats, which may further lead to a series of pathological changes, such as articular cartilage wear, subchondral bone sclerosis and osteophyte formation. However, the pathological and adaptive changes in condylar cartilage caused by different stress distributions are still controversial.