Burn-Synovectomy Mouse Model for Temporomandibular Joint Osteoarthritis

Temporomandibular joint osteoarthritis (TMJ OA) occurs in 8 to 16 % of the population. Currently available animal models do not faithfully simulate the native disease progression of TMJ OA. The initiation of TMJ OA requires both local trauma and extended inflammation. In this study, we present a novel mouse model that reproduces these two conditions. This is achieved by a procedure involving both synovectomy (local trauma) and a distant burn injury (systemic inflammation). Its efficacy at inducing TMJ OA was assessed by histomorphologic and radiographic evaluation at 1, 3, and 9 weeks after the procedure. Burn-synovectomy mice exhibited significantly more degenerative hard and soft tissue changes in the TMJ than uninjured control or synovotomy mice. The observed histology in burn-synovectomy mice faithfully mimicked synovitis-induced TMJ OA progression. This animal model is invaluable in future research of the mechanism and risk factors of TMJ OA.