Objective:This study aims to establish an animal model that accurately replicates the clinical symptoms and pathologi-cal changes of late-stage human TMJOA,with the goal of providing a standardized and reliable animal experimental method for sub-sequent research on the disease.Methods:Forty-eight male New Zealand rabbits aged 4 to 6 months were randomly divided into a model group and a sham group.The animals in the model group underwent bilateral temporomandibular joint disc perforation surgery,while the animals in the sham group underwent a sham surgery.The modeling effects were assessed at 4,8,and 12 weeks post-surgery using nociceptive behavior assessments,passive mouth opening measurements,histological analysis(HE,Safranin O-fast green staining),immunohistochemistry,immunofluorescence staining,and magnetic resonance imaging(MRI).Results:Animals in the model group exhibited distinct TMJOA symptoms,including joint pain and restricted mouth opening.Histologically,typical osteo-arthritis changes were evident.The Mankin osteoarthritis score was significantly higher(P＜O.05).Conclusion:The TMJ disc perfo-ration model resmbled the same clinical manifestations and pathological changes seen in human TMJOA.

Objective:This study aims to establish an animal model that accurately replicates the clinical symptoms and pathologi-cal changes of late-stage human TMJOA,with the goal of providing a standardized and reliable animal experimental method for sub-sequent research on the disease.Methods:Forty-eight male New Zealand rabbits aged 4 to 6 months were randomly divided into a model group and a sham group.The animals in the model group underwent bilateral temporomandibular joint disc perforation surgery,while the animals in the sham group underwent a sham surgery.The modeling effects were assessed at 4,8,and 12 weeks post-surgery using nociceptive behavior assessments,passive mouth opening measurements,histological analysis(HE,Safranin O-fast green staining),immunohistochemistry,immunofluorescence staining,and magnetic resonance imaging(MRI).Results:Animals in the model group exhibited distinct TMJOA symptoms,including joint pain and restricted mouth opening.Histologically,typical osteo-arthritis changes were evident.The Mankin osteoarthritis score was significantly higher(P＜O.05).Conclusion:The TMJ disc perfo-ration model resmbled the same clinical manifestations and pathological changes seen in human TMJOA.