ABSTRACT
In the particularly active and continually aging society of the United States, injuries and deterioration of the joints are commonplace. Whether they are sports related or result from diseases such as osteoarthritis, the impact on individuals, and on society as a whole, can be overwhelming. Most commonly, injuries or diseases affecting the knee, hip, ankle, and shoulder joints can severely limit an individual’s ability to perform daily tasks. Although many methods exist to aid in the recovery of such joints, such as physical therapy, drug treatment, or surgical intervention, little is known about the joints affected by other common activities, such as talking and chewing. These routine actions can become severely
CONTENTS
6.1 Introduction ........................................................................................................................ 153 6.2 Anatomical Structure-Function Relationships ............................................................. 155
6.2.1 Osseous and Articular Features .......................................................................... 156 6.2.2 Fibrocartilaginous Disc ......................................................................................... 157 6.2.3 Major Temporomandibular Joint Ligaments ..................................................... 158 6.2.4 Muscles of Mastication .......................................................................................... 159
6.3 Biochemical Structure-Function Relationships ............................................................ 159 6.3.1 Temporomandibular Joint Disc ........................................................................... 160 6.3.2 Mandibular Condylar Cartilage .......................................................................... 162 6.3.3 Glenoid Fossa-Articular Eminence Cartilage ................................................... 163
6.4 Biomechanical Properties of the Temporomandibular Joint ....................................... 163 6.4.1 In Vivo Loading ...................................................................................................... 163 6.4.2 In Vitro Testing/Tissue Biomechanics ................................................................ 164
6.4.2.1 Temporomandibular Joint Disc............................................................. 165 6.4.2.2 Mandibular Condylar Cartilage ........................................................... 167 6.4.2.3 Glenoid Fossa Unit .................................................................................. 169
6.4.3 Modeling of Temporomandibular Joint ............................................................. 169 6.5 Current Perspectives on Temporomandibular Joint ..................................................... 170
6.5.1 Tissue Engineering ................................................................................................ 170 6.5.2 Concluding Remarks ............................................................................................. 172
Acknowledgment ........................................................................................................................ 173 References ..................................................................................................................................... 173
compromised due to the impairment of one of the least understood and under-researched joints of the body: the temporomandibular joint (TMJ). This joint, which is responsible for the hinging motion of the jaw, is essential for properly aligning the upper and lower teeth upon closing of the mouth, known as occlusion.
