Dynamic stereometry of the temporomandibular joint

Studies on jaw kinematics have provided a good understanding of the motion of the mandible in space, but are of little biomechanical relevance because they could not relate the movements to anatomic structures. This is possible by the combination of three-dimensional reconstructions of the temporomandibular joint (TMJ) anatomy with jaw motion recordings. This technique allows us to analyze the variation of the relationship between the articular surfaces, providing indirect insight into disk deformation during function and parafunction as well as TMJ loading. As far as the variation of the condyle-fossa distance is concerned, data indicated that during chewing the distance was smaller 1) on closing than on opening; 2) on the balancing than on the working side; and 3) during chewing of hard than soft food. Moreover, during a forceful static biting, the condyle-fossa distance decreased more on the contralateral, i.e. on the balancing side than on the working side. The decrease was related to the degree of clenching force. These results support the content that both condyles are loaded during chewing and the balancing side joint more than the working one. Biomechanically, the development of osteoarthrosis is more likely related to the magnitude and frequency of stresses applied on the cartilage. Joint movements produce tractional forces that may cause shear stresses contributing to cartilage wear and fatigue. Tractional forces are the result of frictional forces caused by the cartilage surface rubbing and of plowing forces caused by the translation of a stress-field through the cartilage matrix, as the intra-articular space changes during motion. Translation of the stress-field in mediolateral direction seems to be particularly important for the integrity of the TMJ disk because of its anisotropic properties. Dynamic stereometry showed that stress-fields translate in mediolateral direction during opening/closing, protrusion and laterotrusion, and that their translatory velocity varies intraindividually and with the rate of the condylar movement. Furthermore, the results seem to indicate that the lateral area of the TMJ disk is more often exposed to shear stresses caused by stress-field translation than the medial one. In conclusion, dynamic stereometry provides a good visualization of the movement of the condyles in the respective fossae. This helps improving our understanding for the complexity of condylar movements. The technique may also contribute to ameliorate our knowledge of TMJ biomechanics and therefore of the etiology of degenerative joint diseases and possibly also of internal derangement.     

Laboratory stresses and tractional forces on the TMJ disc surface

The etiology of degenerative disease of the TMJ may involve fatigue produced by surface tractional forces and compressive stresses. This study tested the time-dependent effects of compressive loading and stress-field translation on TMJ disc-surface tractional forces and stresses. In laboratory experiments with 50 porcine discs, an acrylic indenter imposed 10 N static loads for 10 and 60 sec, followed by translation of the loaded indenter along the mediolateral axis of the disc. Maximum tractional forces were found to occur following 60 sec of static loading (p < 0.001), and increased with translation velocity (R(2) = 0.73); whereas maximum compressive stresses occurred after 10 sec of static loading (p < 0.001). Overall, the results were consistent with current mechanical theories of the time-dependent effects of compressive loading of cartilage.     

Dynamic intra-articular space variation in clicking TMJs

During mandibular movement, the geometric relationships of the articular surfaces in the temporomandibular joint (TMJ) change, so that the disc undergoes different stress concentrations with respect to time and position. In this study, we compared the intra-articular space variations of 13 clicking and 15 asymptomatic TMJs for jaw opening/closing. Magnetic resonance imaging and jaw tracking were combined to display the motion of the whole condyle within the fossa. In clicking TMJs, the mediolateral spread s of the stress-field trajectories was 2.4 +/- 1.0 mm (s(max) = 4.9 +/- 2.1 mm) with an aspect ratio a/h of 2.5 +/- 1.6, both significantly greater than in controls (p < 0.05). The stress-field trajectories of the controls coincided during opening/closing (s = 0.9 +/- 0.2 mm, s(max) = 1.8 +/- 0.8 mm, a/h = 1.6 +/- 0.3). Clicking TMJs showed much less coincident stress-field paths and much "flatter" stress-fields than controls during jaw opening/closing.     

Static and dynamic loading effects on temporomandibular joint disc tractional forces

Mechanical fatigue-related degeneration of the temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disc may be promoted by tractional forces. This study tested the hypotheses that tractional forces following static loading of the TMJ disc: (1) increase with compressive strain at the start of movement, and (2) are velocity-dependent during movement. Sixty-four porcine discs received a 10-N static load via an acrylic indenter for 1 or 30 sec before cyclic movement. Physical data were recorded and analyzed by ANOVA. The results showed that compressive strain and tractional forces were largest for the start of movement following 30 sec of static loading (p 相似文献   

Jaw closing movement and sex differences in temporomandibular joint energy densities

Energy densities (ED, mJ/mm³) quantify mechanical work imposed on articular cartilages during function. This cross‐sectional study examined differences in temporomandibular joint (TMJ) ED during asymmetric versus symmetric jaw closing in healthy females versus males. ED component variables were tested for differences between and within sexes for two types of jaw closing. Seventeen female and 17 male subjects gave informed consent to participate. Diagnostic criteria for temporomandibular disorders and images (magnetic resonance (MR), computed tomography) were used to confirm healthy TMJ status. Numerical modelling predicted TMJ loads (F_normal) consequent to unilateral canine biting. Dynamic stereometry combined MR imaging and jaw‐tracking data to measure ED component variables during 10 trials of each type of jaw closing in each subject's TMJs. These data were then used to calculate TMJ ED during jaw closing asymmetrically and symmetrically. Paired and Student's t tests assessed ED between jaw closing movements and sexes, respectively. Multivariate data analyses assessed ED component variable differences between jaw closing movements and sexes (α = 0.05). Contralateral TMJ ED were 3.6‐fold and significantly larger (P < .0001) during asymmetric versus symmetric jaw closing, due to significantly larger (P ≤ .001) distances of TMJ stress‐field translation in asymmetric versus symmetric movement. During asymmetric jaw closing, contralateral TMJ ED were twofold and significantly larger (P = .036) in females versus males, due to 1.5‐fold and significantly smaller (P ≤ .010) TMJ disc cartilage volumes under stress fields in females versus males. These results suggest that in healthy individuals, asymmetric compared to symmetric jaw closure in females compared to males has higher TMJ mechanical fatigue liabilities.     

Synovial fluid dynamics with small disc perforation in temporomandibular joint

Summary The articular disc plays an important role as a stress absorber in joint movement, resulting in stress reduction and redistribution in the temporomandibular joint (TMJ). The flow of synovial fluid in the TMJ may follow a regular pattern during movement of the jaw. We hypothesised that the regular pattern is disrupted when the TMJ disc is perforated. By computed tomography arthrography, we studied the upper TMJ compartment in patients with small disc perforation during jaw opening–closing at positions from 0 to 3 cm. Finite element fluid dynamic modelling was accomplished to analyse the pattern of fluid flow and pressure distribution during the movements. The results showed that the fluid flow in the upper compartment generally formed an anticlockwise circulation but with local vortexes with the jaw opening up to 2 cm. However, when the jaw opening–closing reached 3 cm, an abnormal flow field and the fluid pressure change associated with the perforation may increase the risk of perforation expansion or rupture and is unfavourable for self‐repair of the perforated disc.     

Mechanical work during stress-field translation in the human TMJ

The pathomechanics of degenerative joint disease of the temporomandibular joint (TMJ) may involve fatigue produced by mechanical work on the articulating tissues. This study tested the hypotheses that mechanical work in the TMJ (i) varies with the type of mandibular activity, and (ii) is evenly distributed over TMJ surfaces. Ten healthy human participants were recorded with Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) and jaw tracking. The data were used to reconstruct and animate TMJ activity. Aspect ratios, instantaneous velocities, and distances of stress-fields translation were used to calculate work (mJ). The results were analyzed by least-squares polynomial regression and ANOVA. Work magnitudes were related to peak velocity (R(2) = 0.92) and distance of stress-field translation (R(2) = 0.83), and were distributed over the joint surfaces (p < 0.03). During mandibular laterotrusion, average mechanical work was 1.5 times greater in the contralateral joint. Peak magnitudes of work (> 3000 mJ) were 4 times that previously reported.     

Timing of temporomandibular joint sounds in orthodontic patients

The consistency of occurrence and also the timing of TMJ sounds during jaw opening and closing were studied by means of an audio-visual sound recording system in an attempt to address the possible causes of temporomandibular joint (TMJ) sounds. From a group of 347 orthodontic patients, 104 were found to have medium- or high-amplitude TMJ sounds during jaw opening or closing. Most patients (53%) had reciprocal clicking--that is, a single sound on opening and on closing; another 12% had multiple sounds on opening or closing; 22% had a single closing sound; and 13% had a single opening sound. Sounds occurred at all degrees of jaw opening throughout this sample, but in most patients opening sounds tended to be closer to maximum opening, whereas closing sounds tended to occur in the middle of the closing movement. No statistically significant association was found between the timing of the opening and closing sounds. In 42.3% of patients, the sound was inconsistent in its occurrence on successive opening and closing cycles. Twenty-three percent of patients reported pain, jaw locking, or limitation of movement, but these were not associated with the timing of the opening sound. The findings suggest that the reciprocal click, widely associated with anterior disc displacement with reduction, was relatively common, but that other explanations for the joint sounds should also be considered. Conversely, a large variation may exist in the timing and the occurrence of sounds in patients with anterior disc displacement in the absence of pain and limitation of movement.     

Centers of rotation during jaw movements

Anatomists consider the articulation of movable joints to be complex, involving movable instantaneous centers of rotation (ICR). However, prosthodontists often treat the temporomandibular joint (TMJ) as a model of a simple hinge. The aim of this study was to examine the case for a movable ICR during habitual opening and closing jaw movements. Young, dentate subjects were examined with a kinesiograph. Jaw movements were performed and recorded. The center of rotation of each movement pattern was identified, and its location related to the position of the TMJ. The results showed that opening and closing jaw movements were predominantly non-coincident, with a movable ICR located at a variable distance and direction from the TMJ. There was no evidence to suggest that the TMJ functioned as a simple hinge during jaw movements.     

JOINT DISORDER: NONREDUCING DISC DISPLACEMENT WITH MOUTH OPENING LIMITATION – REPORT OF A CASE

The internal derangement of the temporomandibular joint (TMJ) represents 8% of all cases of temporomandibular disorders (TMD) posing difficulties to establish an accurate diagnosis and treatment because of its low prevalence. This article presents the case of an 18-year-old Caucasian female patient who came to our Orofacial Pain and TMD Outpatient Service with complaints of intense pain on the right TMJ and limitation of mouth opening (maximum interincisal opening of 29 mm) with deviation to right, which she had been experiencing for the past 3 years. After a detailed clinical interview, a diagnosis hypothesis of nonreducing disc displacement with mouth opening limitation was established. The proposed treatment consisted of intra-joint infiltration with anesthetic in the right TMJ followed by jaw manipulation to recapture the articular disc, which was impeding the complete translation movement of the affected TMJ. After jaw manipulation, a new evaluation was done and showed the re-establishment of jaw dynamics with mouth opening and closing without deviation to the right side, clicking, opening limitation or pain. The patient was followed up at 6 months intervals. Two years after treatment, the patient was reevaluated and her mandibular range of motion without aid increased to 54 mm with no clicking, deviation to right, trismus or pain on the TMJ, indicating success of the treatment approach without recurrence of the pathology.     

The acoustical characteristics of the normal and abnormal temporomandibular joint

This paper describes the results of a clinical study that recorded and analyzed sounds emitted from the temporomandibular joint (TMJ) during simple function as a means for differentially diagnosing disorders of the joint. The technique is based on the principle that each different disorder of the TMJ produces a different effect on the mechanical relationship between the articulating surfaces of the joint, and that these mechanical effects can be determined by analyzing joint sounds in relation to joint movement. A total of 79 patients (101 joints) were studied; 32 (46 joints) were diagnosed as having extracapsular disorders, (primarily MPD), 27 (32 joints) were diagnosed as having a displaced disc with reduction, nine (10 joints) were diagnosed as having a displaced disc without reduction, and 11 (13 joints) were diagnosed as degenerative disease (osteoarthritis/arthrosis). In addition, 25 adults (50 joints) with normal TMJs were included as controls. The results of this study demonstrated that each specific disease of the TMJ is characterized by a unique relationship between the sounds propagated by the joint and the movement of the joint. Essentially, an extracapsular disease was characterized by acoustic quiescence during natural (as opposed to maximal) jaw movement, an internal derangement by a usually symmetrical short duration click/reciprocal click, or random click complex, depending on the subcategory of the disorder, and a degenerative disease by a long duration noise during either or both jaw opening and closing. The data further suggest that the technique serves to reflect the mechanical events (and abnormalities) that are involved in function of the diseased joint and has potential for use as a clinical diagnostic tool.     

Stress analysis during jaw movement based on vivo computed tomography images from patients with temporomandibular disorders

The purpose of this study is to develop three-dimensional (3D) finite element models of temporomandibular joints (TMJs) and to investigate stress distributions. To determine the causes of temporomandibular disorders (TMDs), the magnitude and location of the maximum stresses under physiological loading must be considered. Stress analysis TMD models were reconstructed from computed tomography (CT) data. Several studies have investigated finite element TMJ models, but few have used a bilateral mandible model that includes jaw closing and maximum opening. In this study, the authors defined an asymmetry index for the different stress values on each side joint; this index has not yet been investigated. According to clinical observation, one joint affects the other side joint during mastication. Three symptom-free volunteers and three symptomatic patients were selected as the control group (CG) and TMD group (TG), respectively. For the TG, data analysis indicated that the condyle was asymmetrical during jaw closing, while both the condyle and disc were slightly asymmetrical during jaw opening. The maximum stresses did not significantly differ between the CG and TG for either closing or opening of the jaw. The results of this study have a potential clinical benefit in terms of proving superior biomechanical behaviour.     

The craniocervical connection: a retrospective analysis of 300 whiplash patients with cervical and temporomandibular disorders

Because the concept of whiplash as a causative factor for temporomandibular disorders (TMD) is highly controversial, we decided to do a retrospective analysis of patients treated in our office who had sustained whiplash injuries and were treated for cervical and temporomandibular disorders. The records of 300 patients with TMD preceded by a motor vehicle accident were examined retrospectively. The most common presenting symptoms, in order, were: jaw pain, neck pain, post-traumatic headache, jaw fatigue, and severe temporomandibular joint (TMJ) clicking. The most common TMD diagnoses were: masseter trigger points, closing jaw muscle hyperactivity, TMJ synovitis, opening jaw muscle hyperactivity, and advanced TMJ disk derangement. Based primarily on the physical examination, we concluded that the TMJ and surrounding musculature should be examined similarly to other joints, with no preconceived notion that TMD pathology after whiplash is unlikely.     

The disc of the human temporomandibular joint: design, function and failure

The directions and limits of mandibular movements are controlled by muscles and nerves, and by biomechanical constraints in the dentition and the temporomandibular joints with their associated ligaments. This paper analyses biomechanical constraints in relation to shape, function, stability and dysfunction of the disc in the joint. It is argued that the dense part of the disc is modelled in response to condylar forces which compress it into the articular eminence thereby thinning its centre and squeezing out a thickened anulus around its rim. Because of a lack of congruence between the two articulating surfaces of the joint and a very low coefficient of friction, the disc is potentially squeezed off the condyle by compression forces during opening, closing and mastication. It is stabilized mainly by its anulus whose thick rim is unable to prolapse between the condyle and articular eminence. An important function of the elastic tissue behind the thick part of the disc may be, by contracting, to prevent the soft tissues behind the joint being nipped between the condyle/disc/temporal bone when the jaw is closing. The author suggests that during mastication the function of the disc is not only to spread the joint forces but also to limit the depth to which the condyle is compressed into the soft tissues covering the temporal bone and thereby allow the condyle (and disc) sufficient freedom to spin and slide over the temporal bone without distorting and damaging the surfaces. In other words, the function of the disc is to destabilize the condyle. In terms of biomechanical constraints the disc seems more liable to prolapse anteriorly than posteriorly. It prolapses when the compression forces which tend to wedge it off the condyle cannot be resisted by its thickened anulus. If the energy of compression is stored within the distorted disc and suddenly released there is an audible click.     

Implant-supported mandibular splinting affects temporomandibular joint biomechanics

Objectives: Mandibular functional movements lead to complex deformations of bony structures. The aim of this study was to test whether mandibular splinting influences condylar kinematics and temporomandibular joint (TMJ) loading patterns. Materials and methods: Six subjects were analyzed by means of dynamic stereometry during jaw opening–closing with mandibles unconstrained as well as splinted transversally by a cast metal bar fixed bilaterally to two implant pairs in the (pre)molar region. Statistical analysis was performed by means of ANOVAs for repeated measurements (significance level α=0.05). Results: Transversal splinting reduced mandibular deformation during jaw opening–closing as measured between two implants in the (pre)molar region on each side of the mandible significantly by 54%. Furthermore, splinting significantly reduced the distance between lateral condylar poles (average displacement vector magnitude of each pole: 0.84±0.36 mm; average mediolateral displacement component: 45±28% of the magnitude) and led to a medial displacement of their trajectories as well as a mediolateral displacement of stress‐field paths. Conclusions: During jaw opening–closing, splinting of the mandible leads to a significant reduction of mandibular deformation and intercondylar distance and to altered stress‐field paths, resulting in changed loading patterns of the TMJ structures. To cite this article:
Zaugg B, Hämmerle CHF, Palla S, Gallo LM. Implant‐supported mandibular splinting affects temporomandibular joint biomechanics.
Clin. Oral Impl. Res. 23 , 2012; 897–901
doi: 10.1111/j.1600‐0501.2011.02241.x     

联合动态MRI和下颌运动轨迹描记仪分析健康人开闭口时下颌运动轨迹特征

目的：结合动态MRl分析健康人开闭口时下颌运动轨迹特征。方法：18例健康人最大开闭口过程进行动态MRI和下颌运动轨迹描记仪检查，分析髁状突及下颌前牙切点的运动特点及范围。结果：动态MRI显示闭口位关节盘本体部呈双凹形，本体部位于髁状突横嵴的前方（盘分界角〈10。）。健康人下颁前牙切点运动轨迹平滑，双侧运动中心运动轨迹左右对称；运动轴始终保持平行，呈现开闭口初、末时密度比开闭口中时大；运动中心运动距离（13．2±3．1）mm，切点运动距离（41．1±3．8）mm。结论：下颌运动轨迹描记能记录髁状突运动轨迹并且间接反映颞下颌关节的关节盘在开闭口运动中的位置变化情况，为初步建立下颌运动轨迹描记对辅助诊断关节病的参考标准奠定了基础。     

硬化疗法结合缝合牵引术治疗颞下颌关节盘移位的疗效分析

目的为弥补关节镜滑膜下硬化疗法１周后瘢痕化的缺陷，使复位的关节盘即刻获得牵引固定。方法对３１侧颞下颌关节盘移位（可复性１５侧，不可复性１６侧）经关节镜确定移位的方向及程度，在关节盘复位操作及盘后区硬化疗法的基础上，采用后向和（或）侧向缝合牵引固定技术，术后即刻用关节镜评判盘复位情况。结果随访期２７个月（６～３９个月），总疗效７４２％（２３／３１），可复性盘移位疗效为９３３％（１４／１５）；不可复性为５６４％（９／１６）。结论本术式对关节盘移位，尤其是可复性移位的疗效优异；建议关节镜诊断、治疗及疗效评判同期进行     

一侧下颌角受力对双侧关节盘及髁突软骨的影响

目的:利用三维有限元分析法,从生物力学角度探讨一侧下颌角受力瞬间双侧颞下颌关节(TMJ)关节盘及髁突软骨的相应变化及其与临床实际的关系。方法:建立下颌骨和TMJ共5个不同开口度(闭口位及1、2、3、4cm开口位)的三维有限元数字模型;于左侧下颌角下缘向上,施以与眶耳平面垂直的1000N压力。获取受力后双侧关节盘和髁突软骨产生的平均主应力的分布及其峰值大小。结果:(1)闭口位时,双侧关节盘和髁突软骨的平均主应力(EQV应力)峰值明显较小;(2)在不同开口位,关节盘EQV应力峰值多位于后带,髁突软骨则多位于前斜面;(3)关节盘EQV应力峰值始终是左侧大于右侧,而髁突软骨在闭口位及1、4cm开口位时左侧EQV应力峰值大于右侧,2、3cm开口位时则是右侧大于左侧;(4)双侧关节盘和髁突软骨的EQV应力峰值出现的部位基本对称。结论:(1)本组模型较精确地反映了实物,并且实验结果与临床实际相接近,解决了以往实验中遇到的一些问题,为TMJ的生物力学研究提供了新的途径。(2)稳定的咬合关系可以明显减小TMJ的间接损伤。(3)关节盘后带病变及髁突器质性病变可能由下颌骨一次性暴力创伤后造成的TMJ间接损伤引起;受力侧关节盘比对侧更易受损伤,而双侧髁突软骨都有受到严重损伤的可能。     

正常青年人颞下颌关节振动的研究

目的：观察正常青年人颞下颌关节振动的特征，分析产生关节振动的影响因素。方法：用BioPAK口颌功能诊疗仪记录26名正常人做节律性大开闭口运动时的双侧颞下颌关节表面振动。结果：正常人左侧和右侧关节振动的发生率分别为65．4％和69．2％；振动总能量分别为4．70PaHz和8．67PaHz，峰振幅分别为0．53Pa和0．77Pa，峰频率分别为35．67Hz和33．17Hz；开口阶段的振动66．7％发生在开口末期，闭口阶段的振动78．3％发生在闭口中期。结论：（1）下颌运动时正常颞下颌关节也存在关节振动，但其振动比较柔和；（2）双侧关节振动主要发生在开口末期和闭口中期；（3）正常颞下颌关节振动与咀嚼习惯有一定关系。     

正常人开闭口位颞颌关节盘磁共振影像测量分析

目的:探讨正常人颞颌关节开、闭口位关节盘的形态变化特点及意义。方法:对9名健康男性大学生(21~23 岁),用超导磁共振仪,小视野线圈,分别采用左右侧卧位,拍摄双侧TMJ矫正矢状位质子加权开口位和闭口位不同层面的MRI影像,层厚3 mm,选取其中能清楚反映关节盘形态的166张图像用电子测量尺测量其关节盘的断面面积和周长。结果:正常人颞颌关节盘闭口位影像呈窄长形,开口位影像呈哑铃形;开口位影像断面面积明显大于闭口位面积(P<0101),断面周长二者间无明显差别(P>0105)。结论:正常人开口状态下颞颌关节盘形态较闭口时明显变粗,可能是该两种状态下关节内压变化的反映。