Biomechanical effects of high acceleration on the temporomandibular joint

An Improved Finite Element Model of Temporomandibular Joint in Maxillofacial System: Experimental Validation

Finite element (FE) analysis has become a popular method of exploring the biomechanical characteristics of temporomandibular joint (TMJ). However, the FE model should be improved and its reliability should be verified further. This study developed a complete maxillofacial model by cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). The integrity and physiological environment of TMJ were considered. Then the FE model and corresponding 3D printed model were developed and loaded under the same conditions. The strains on the mandible and upper surface of the left articular disc were measured on the experimental model and compared with the FE model. The differences of the strains on the mandible were less than 6%. The strain distributions on the disc were also approximate between the experimental and simulated results. It indicated that the strains calculated from the improved FE model were reliable on the mandible and inside the TMJ.

Morphological analysis of the temporomandibular joint in patients with anterior disc displacement

This study aims to investigate the morphological characteristics of the temporomandibular joint (TMJ) in the patients with anterior disc displacement with reduction (ADDwR) and the alterations after occlusal splint treatment. Thirty ADDwR patients and ten asymptomatic subjects were recruited. Thirteen parameters were adopted, along with automatic computation and presentation of the joint space to characterize the TMJ morphologies. Statistical results showed that morphological discrepancies between the patients and the asymptomatic subjects were ubiquitous. The adjustment of condyle position through occlusal splint treatment can result in joint spaces widening and has positive effects on mitigating the conditions of ADDwR.