Objectives: This study aimed to compare the effect of intra-articular injection of human growth hormone (HGH) versus low-level laser therapy (LLLT) on mandibular condyle in arthritic guinea pigs.
Methods: A total of 30 male guinea pigs with average weight (250g -350g) had a temporomandibular joint (TMJ) arthritis induced by locally injecting complete freund's adjuvant (CFA) intra-articularly in the right side. Then they were divided into three groups; control, HGH and LLLT. The applications of both treatments were done every two days for two weeks, then all groups were euthanized. Arthritic TMJs were dissected and processed for histological, histomorphometric and statistical analysis..
Results: Histological evaluation showed increased thickness of articular cartilage and formation of new subchondral bone trabeculae and narrowing of marrow spaces in both study groups with statistical significant differences compared to control group.
Conclusion: Treatment of TMJ arthritis with HGH showed improvements in all parameters tested. HGH can be a promising modality to repair degenerative changes associated with CFA induced arthritis.