Posterior Mandibular Displacement—A Systematic Review Based on Animal Studies

SIMPLE SUMMARY: Extreme growth of the lower jaw is an essential determinant of facial appearance and treatment is challenging. The mandibular joint is important for mandibular growth and backward traction may be applied to address its protrusion. Nevertheless, the conclusions following animal experiments have been contradictory; additionally, joint disorders could arise because of abnormal, traumatic pressure. Our aim was to review the impact on the condyle and the jaw of their distal displacement as found in published research involving rats and rabbits, up to October 2020. In those animals, the mandibular/condylar retraction led to occlusal improvement, but some relapse might be anticipated. The mandibular condyle remained more posteriorly, restriction of further growth was observed, the posterior surface became more flattened, but it became thicker in its neck. The dimensional alterations persisted for the entire period of study and the mandible resumed its inherited growth pattern after the discontinuation of the orthopedic force. Posterior mandibular displacement may be anticipated to produce clinically significant restriction in condylar growth, mainly attributed to remodeling. The properties of the applied force may affect the timing of mandibular formation or just prove traumatic. Outcome stability is a matter of concern and more studies are required to resolve the issue. ABSTRACT: Treating extreme mandibular growth is challenging. The mandible is pushed backwards to address itsprotrusion. Nevertheless, conclusions after such displacement in animals have been contradictory. The aim of the present review is to present measurable alterations of the mandible and the condyle following retractionin healthy rats or rabbits. PubMed, Scopus and Web of Science were accessed for relevant studies up to October 2020. Eligibility was determined by the PICOS process, while the risk of bias was estimated with SYRCLE’s risk of bias tool. Retraction resulted in a more distal molar occlusion and the condyle rested more posteriorly. Mandibular anteroposterior bilateral growth restriction was achieved, the condylar process measured smaller and its angulation increased. The condylar neck thickened, its posterior surface flattened, the coronoid process was measured longer, and enlarged retromolar density was registered. Differences in the ramus height and the intercondylar distance were insignificant. Changes persisted for the period of study and subsequently the mandible resumed its inherited growth pattern. The timing of mandibular shaping and TMJ outcomes might depend on the properties of the applied force. Stability is of concern and well-structured, long-term studies are expected to resolve the issue and further clarify the results of posterior mandibular displacement.