الفهرس 
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Abstract
from the results of the present study, it could be concluded that:
• the control group showed only the effect of the trauma on the right side of the rabbits TMJ which appeared on the form of bleeding joint with tearing of the disc and thickning of the fibrous layer of the condylar head, while the adjacent masticatory muscles was not affected.
The process of MMF has its deletarious effect on both traumatized joint and contra lateral non traumatized joint, which can be summerized as follows:
• The fibrocartilagenous cap of the condylar head is the most affected part of the joint.
• Osteoporotic changes and reduction of the trabicular bone occur at condylar head .
• Progressive decrease in size of both the upper and lower compartments as the duration of immobilization period incereased.
• Fibrosis of the TMJ disc with adhesion to the temporal fossa in some cases.
• MMF causes atrophy of the adjacent masticatory muscles.
• The effect of remobilization appeared as regeneration of the fibrocartilagenous cap of the condylar head. The size of the upper and lower compartment increased in size. The adjacent muscle fibers recovered more slowly.
For these reasons it is recommended that when there is need for MMF, the
period of immobilization must be as short as possible to permit early mobilization of the joint and early return to normal function.