Stress analysis in human temporomandibular joint affected by anterior disc displacement during prolonged clenching

Parafunctional habits, such as prolonged clenching and bruxism, have been associated with dysfunctional overloading in the temporomandibular joint (TMJ). In this study, stress distributions in the TMJ were analysed during prolonged clenching, using three‐dimensional finite element (FE) models of the TMJ with and without disc displacement. The aim of this study was to investigate stress distribution of the cartilaginous tissues in the TMJ with and without disc displacement. Finite element models were developed on the basis of magnetic resonance images from two subjects with and without anterior disc displacement. Condylar movements recorded during a 5‐min clenching were used as the loading condition for stress analysis. In the asymptomatic model, the highest von Mises stresses were located in the lateral area (4·91 MPa) of the disc surfaces, and after 5‐min clenching, the higher stresses were still located at the lateral area (3·65 MPa). In all the cartilaginous tissues, 30–50% of stress reduction occurred during 5‐min clenching. In contrast, the von Mises stress in the cartilaginous tissues of the symptomatic model with disc displacement was markedly lower, compared with the asymptomatic model. However, in the condylar cartilage, stress relaxation during clenching was not recognised. Furthermore, relatively high stresses were observed in the retrodiscal tissues throughout clenching. The present results indicate that disc position could be involved in the stress distribution of the TMJ components during prolonged clenching.     

Three-dimensional finite-element model of the human temporomandibular joint disc during prolonged clenching

In the temporomandibular joint (TMJ), overloading induced by prolonged clenching appears to be important in the cascade of events leading to disc displacement. In this study, the effect of disc displacement on joint stresses during prolonged clenching was studied. For this purpose, finite-element models of the TMJ, with and without disc displacement, were used. Muscle forces were used as a loading condition for stress analysis during a time-period of 10 min. The TMJ disc and connective tissue were characterized as a linear viscoelastic material. In the asymptomatic model, large stresses were found in the central and lateral part of the disc through clenching. In the retrodiscal tissue, stress relaxation occurred during the first 2 min of clenching. In the symptomatic model, large stresses were observed in the posterior part of the disc and in the retrodiscal tissue, and the stress level was kept constant through clenching. This indicates that during prolonged clenching the disc functions well in the asymptomatic joint, meanwhile the retrodiscal tissue in the symptomatic joint is subject to excessive stress. As this structure is less suitable for bearing large stresses, tissue damage may occur. In addition, storage of excessive strain energy might lead to breakage of the tissue.     

Three-dimensional finite element analysis of cartilaginous tissues in human temporomandibular joint during prolonged clenching

Objective

Bruxism, the parafunctional habit of nocturnal grinding of the teeth and clenching, is associated with the onset of joint degeneration. Especially prolonged clenching is suggested to cause functional overloading in the temporomandibular joint (TMJ). In this study, the distributions of stresses in the cartilaginous TMJ disc and articular cartilage, were analysed during prolonged clenching. The purpose of this study was to examine if joint degradation due to prolonged clenching can be attributed to changes in stress concentration in the cartilaginous tissues.

Design

Finite element model was developed on the basis of magnetic resonance images from a healthy volunteer. Condylar movements recorded during prolonged clenching were used as the loading condition for stress analysis.

Results

At the onset of clenching (time = 0 s), the highest von Mises stresses were located in the middle and posterior areas (6.18 MPa) of the inferior disc surface facing the condylar cartilage. The largest magnitude of the minimum principal stress (−6.72 MPa) was found in the condylar cartilage. The stress concentrations were relieved towards the superior disc surface facing the temporal cartilage. On the surfaces of the temporal cartilage, relatively lower stresses were found. After 5-min clenching, both stress values induced in the TMJ components were reduced to 50-80% of the stress values at the onset of clenching, although the concomitant strains increased slightly during this period.

Conclusions

It is suggested that both the condylar and temporal cartilage layers along with the TMJ disc, play an important role in stress distribution and transmission during prolonged clenching due to tissue expansion. Furthermore, our study suggests that a development of stress concentrations in the TMJ during prolonged clenching and risk factors for the initiation of TMJ degeneration could not be confirmed.     

Articular disc displacement in mandibular asymmetry patients

Mechanisms of disc displacement in temporomandibular joint (TMJ) internal derangement (ID) in mandibular asymmetry have not been clearly defined. This study examines the degree and direction of disc displacement and their relationship with vertical asymmetry in terms of both clinical and biomechanical aspects. A retrospective study of disc displacement was performed in 31 mandibular asymmetry patients using MR imaging. The degree and direction of disc displacements on the shifted side and contralateral side TMJ were investigated with the degree of vertical asymmetry. Furthermore, three-dimensional finite element models of entire mandible include TMJ and maxillary teeth in occlusion were created to simulate displacement of the articular disc during clenching condition. The direction of displacement on the shifted side and contralateral side were significantly different. Articular disc has tendencies to displace more on the shifted side even in mild degree of vertical asymmetry. The degree of displacement was correlated with the amount of asymmetry. The MR results were consistent with the tendencies of disc displacement predicted from the finite element models. We suggest that disturbance in the direction of stress distribution through asymmetry of the mandible is one of the mechanisms related to disc displacement.     

骨性偏颌患者颞下颌关节的生物力学分析

目的:研究骨性偏颌患者牙尖交错位紧咬牙时颞下颌关节应力分布特征。方法:通过CT和MRI获得影像资料,使用Mimics、CADTIA和Ansysworkbench软件,建立包括颞骨、下颌骨和关节盘的有限元模型,计算咬合时颞下颌关节的应力分布。结果:关节盘和关节窝的主要受力在偏斜对侧分布偏内,偏斜侧分布偏外;偏斜对侧应力是一种集中的方式,偏斜侧是一种分散的方式。结论:偏颌患者偏斜侧关节盘可能倾向于向外侧移位,偏斜对侧关节盘可能倾向于向内侧移位。     

The effects of TMJ symptoms on skeletal morphology in orthodontic patients with TMJ disc displacement

Objective. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of temporomandibular joint (TMJ) symptoms on skeletal morphologies of orthodontic patients with TMJ disc displacement (DD). Materials and methods. The sample consisted of 197 women seeking orthodontic treatment. The subjects were divided into two groups according to the presence of TMJ symptoms: the presence and absence of TMJ symptoms. Each group was sub-divided into three groups based on magnetic resonance images of bilateral TMJs: bilateral normal disc position (BN), bilateral disc displacement with reduction (DDR) and bilateral disc displacement without reduction (DDNR). Seventeen variables from lateral cephalograms were analyzed by two-way analysis of variance to identify differences in skeletal morphologies with respect to TMJ symptoms and TMJ DD status. Results. Patients with TMJ DD were more likely to have short ramus height, short mandibular body length and backward positioning of the ramus and mandible. These skeletal morphologies became more severe as TMJ DD progressed to DDNR. However, the skeletal morphologies associated with TMJ DD were not significantly different between symptomatic and asymptomatic patients. As a result, patients with TMJ DD had backward positioning and clockwise rotation compared to those with bilateral normal TMJs, irrespective of the presence of TMJ symptom. Conclusions. This study suggests that TMJ DD is associated with altered skeletal morphology, but TMJ symptoms do not significantly influence the relationships between TMJ DD and skeletal morphology.     

The attachments of the temporomandibular joint disc: a biochemical and histological investigation

ObjectiveThe complex movement of the temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disc during mastication is controlled in large part by the disc's attachments to the surrounding tissues. This study seeks to address the lack of available quantitative data characterizing the extracellular matrix composition of the discal attachments and how these properties compare to the disc.DesignPorcine TMJ disc–attachment complexes were carefully dissected into six discal attachments and five TMJ disc regions. All samples were assayed biochemically for total collagen, glycosaminoglycan (GAG), DNA, and hydration. Additionally, histology was performed on the whole joint to investigate the anatomy of the disc–attachment complex, and to verify the regional distribution of matrix components.ResultsQuantitative biochemical assays showed that overall water content was fairly constant in all disc and attachment regions. Disc regions generally showed higher sulfated GAG and collagen content than the attachments. In contrast, the attachments contained greater DNA content than the disc. Histological staining supported the quantitative results and also indicated more elastic fibres to be present in the attachments than the disc.ConclusionsAlthough macroscopically the TMJ disc and its attachments form a seamless complex within the joint, a closer look at regional biochemical constituents reveals that these two components are distinct. Whilst the disc and attachments both contain the same major constituents, the relative amounts of these components vary based on the functional requirements of the tissue. These results can further understanding of both TMJ biology and pathology.     

Body posture during sleep and disc displacement in the temporomandibular joint: a pilot study

Many possible factors associated with internal derangement of the temporomandibular joint (TMJ) have been discussed, but the causal factors remain unproven. The present study aimed to investigate habitual body posture during sleep (HBP) of patients with anterior disc displacement (ADD) in the TMJ. The sample comprised 87 patients (12 males, 75 females) aged 13-68 years (mean 25 years) and diagnosed by magnetic resonance imaging as having unilateral or bilateral ADD in the TMJ. The HBPs were classified into five categories: supine, prone, right lateral, left lateral, and no-dominant positions. Of the 50 patients with the unilateral ADD, 33 (66%) had the ipsilateral HBP to the affected joint while none (0%) had the contralateral HBP. This contrast showed that the HBP was a possible contributing factor to the ADD. It was suggested that HBP allows the ipsilateral condyle to displace posteriorly and this posterior position causes relative ADD.     

Stress distribution in the temporomandibular joint affected by anterior disc displacement: a three-dimensional analytic approach with the finite-element method

The purpose of this study was to investigate the influences of anterior disc displacement on TMJ loading during maximum clenching by use of finite-element analysis. Based on a young human dry skull, an analytic model of the mandible including the TMJ was developed. In addition to the standard model with normal disc-condyle relation, two models were designed to simulate various degrees of anterior disc displacement. In the standard model, compressive stresses were induced in the anterior, middle and lateral areas on the condyle and glenoid fossa, whereas tensile stresses were observed in the posterior and medial regions. In the models with anterior disc displacement, compressive stresses were recognized in all the areas of TMJ components excluding the bilaminar zone. Shear stresses in the articular disc and bilaminar zone significantly increased in most areas. In conclusion, stress distributions in the TMJ with a normal disc position was substantially different from those with anterior disc displacement, suggesting that the progress in disc displacement may have some association with the nature of stress distributions in the TMJ, in the articular disc in particular.     

Transformation of temporomandibular joint disc configuration in internal derangement patients using magnetic resonance imaging

PurposeThe normal disc configuration is biconcave; however, the deformed disc can be found in internal derangement (ID) of the temporomandibular joint (TMJ). The purpose of this study was to evaluate the relationship between the transformation patterns of TMJ disc configuration during mouth opening and disc displacement status, disc reduction ability and TMJ clinical symptoms.MethodsTMJ MR images from volunteers and ID patients were analyzed for closed and open mouth positions. MR images of ID patients were classified into 4 groups: symptomatic joint with anterior disc displacement with or without reduction (ADW or ADWo) and asymptomatic joint with ADW or ADWo. The disc configurations in both positions were categorized as biconcave, biplanar, convex or folded; then the patterns of transformation were observed.ResultsFor the ADW group, the most common disc configuration for closed and open mouth positions were biplanar (66.7%) and biconcave (86.3%). The transformation pattern was significantly related to disc reduction ability (p < 0.05).ConclusionsThe transformation patterns of disc configuration during opening were related to anterior disc displacement and disc reduction ability.     

Apoptosis in temporomandibular joint disc with internal derangement involves mitochondrial-dependent pathways. An in vivo study

Abstract

Objective. Two main apoptosis pathways have been identified: an extrinsic (or death receptor-mediated) and an intrinsic (or mitochondrial) pathway. Apoptotic cell death through the extrinsic pathway has just been described in temporomandibular joint disc (TMJ) with internal derangement (ID); in contrast, no data are available on the involvement of the intrinsic pathway in this tissue. The aim of this work was to investigate whether the intrinsic pathway participates in apoptosis activation in patients with TMJ ID and anterior disc displacement without reduction. Materials and methods. Apoptosis activation was studied in TMJ discs from 15 patients with ID and in six unaffected discs using bcl-2–associated X protein (bax), B-cell lymphoma 2 (bcl-2), cytochrome c and caspase 9 immunohistochemistry. A correlation was sought between immunohistochemical findings and degree of disc damage. Results. None of the pathological TMJ disc sections were immunopositive for bcl-2; negative bcl-2 immunostaining was detected in affected discs; cytochrome c and caspase 9 immunoreactivity was greater in pathological compared to unaffected discs; the difference was significant and correlated with histopathological degeneration score data (Spearman's rho = 0.617). Conclusion. The present findings suggest that in-human TMJ with ID and anterior disc displacement without reduction of cell apoptosis occurs, at least partly, via the mitochondrial pathway, which contributes to the subsequent disc degeneration. These data may have clinical implications and could help devise improved treatment strategies.     

Lubricin in human temporomandibular joint disc: an immunohistochemical study

AimsTo evaluate, immunohistochemically, the presence and distribution of lubricin in human temporomandibular joint (TMJ) discs without any degenerative changes, obtained from autopsies, in order to elucidate the TMJ lubrication system and disc tribology.MethodsImmunohistochemistry for lubricin detection was carried out on 34 TMJ discs. Any disc had signs of degenerative or inflammatory joint disease nor disc were displaced. Sections were incubated with diluted rabbit polyclonal anti-lubricin antibody and scored according to the percentage of lubricin immunopositive cells. Three different TMJ disc tissue compartments taken from the intermediate zone were analysed, namely: the central region as well as the temporal (superior) and condylar (inferior) disc surfaces. The Friedman test, was used to compare lubricin at a protein level expression, amongst the regions of disc specimens.ResultsStaining was noted within the TMJ disc cell populations in every disc tissue sample, however, the number of disc cells immunolabelled varied according to disc tissue regions. The percentage of immunostained cells, was statistically significant lower in the central region than in each disc surface (p < 0.0001), whilst any statistically significant difference was found when comparing the two surfaces one another.ConclusionsLubricin is present in several location of TMJ disc being significantly more expressed at disc surfaces than in the central part.     

Experimental model of temporomandibular joint arthritis: Evaluation of contralateral joint and masticatory muscles

ObjectiveTo investigate morphological and biochemical changes in an experimental model of temporomandibular joint (TMJ) arthritis, as well as examine contralateral joint involvement and morphometric aspects of masticatory muscles in affected animals.DesignForty Wistar rats were allocated into three groups, as follows: a healthy control group (HG); and a group with arthritis induced in the left TMJ (IG); and a contralateral group with noninflamed right TMJ (CG). Arthritis was induced by intra-articular injection of 50 μL of Complete Freund's Adjuvant (CFA). Morphological analysis was performed using histological sections of TMJs stained with hematoxylin-eosin, picrosirius and toluidine blue. In addition, histomorphometric analyses of the articular cartilage, articular disc and masticatory muscles, were performed. Biochemical analysis of TMJ tissues included dosage of sulfated glycosaminoglycans (GAGs), zymography of the Matrix Metalloproteinases (MMPs) 2 and 9 and ELISA for the cytokines IL-6, TNF-α and IL-1β. The data were analyzed by paired and unpaired t-tests, with a p < 0.05.ResultsIG animals presented morphological and biochemical changes in their TMJ, including synovial membrane hyperplasia; chronic inflammatory infiltrate; collagen fiber disorganization in the disc; reduced proteoglycans in the cartilage; greater disc thickness; lower cartilage thickness; lower feed intake; higher activity of MMP-9 and MMP-2, and higher concentration of IL-6, TNF-α, and IL-1β, as compared to HG. CG animals showed posterior disc thickening; reduced proteoglycans in the cartilage; lower collagen fiber organization of the disc; active MMP-9, and higher concentration of IL-6 and TNF-α compared to HG animals. Articular inflammation reduced the area and diameter of fibers of the temporal (right), medial pterygoid (left), and lateral pterygoid (right and left) muscles as compared to HG animals.ConclusionTMJ arthritis reduced the area and diameter of masticatory muscle fibers and caused morphological and molecular changes in the contralateral joint.     

The use of pseudo-dynamic magnetic resonance imaging for evaluating the relationship between temporomandibular joint anterior disc displacement and joint pain

The relationship between temporomandibular joint (TMJ) pain and the magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) finding of articular disc displacement is debated. The purpose of this study is to investigate the correlation between TMJ pain and anterior disc displacement (ADD) using pseudo-dynamic MRI. A retrospective review of MRI studies was carried out on 130 TMJs in 65 patients presenting unilateral TMJ pain. The contralateral asymptomatic joints served as the control group. Bilateral oblique sagittal and coronal MRIs as well as pseudo-dynamic studies in the oblique sagittal plane were obtained. The disc–condyle relationship was divided into three subtypes (normal disc position, ADD with reduction, and ADD without reduction), based on the pseudo-dynamic MRI findings. Fisher's exact test was used to determine whether the TMJ pain was linked to ADD. The results showed that TMJ pain was significantly related to ADD (with and without reduction) compared to the group with a normal disc position (P = .0001). A significant correlation was found between TMJ pain and the ADD subtype without reduction, as compared to the ADD subtype with reduction (P = .0156). These data suggest that a displaced disc, particularly in the subtype without reduction, is an important source of pain.     

Electromyographic power spectrum of jaw muscles during clenching in unilateral temporomandibular joint osteoarthritis patients

The relationship between temporomandibular joints (TMJ) osteoarthritis and masticatory muscle disorders is poorly understood. The data are sparse, the results are conflicting, and electromyographic (EMG) power spectrum analysis has not been used. The aims of this study were to compare the differences in EMG power spectrum during, and pressure pain thresholds (PPTs) before and after, sustained clenching in patients with unilateral TMJ osteoarthritis and healthy control subjects. Nineteen patients with unilateral TMJ osteoarthritis without masticatory muscle pain and 20 control subjects were evaluated. We measured EMG amplitudes at maximum voluntary contraction, median frequency from the EMG power spectrum during sustained clenching at 70% and PPTs before and after the clenching in both temporalis and masseter muscles. There were no significant differences in PPT decrease between muscles or between groups during sustained clenching. There were no significant differences in maximum voluntary contraction EMG activity ratios of affected to unaffected sides between groups, or of masseter to temporalis muscles between affected and unaffected side of patients with TMJ osteoarthritis. Median frequencies decreased from the beginning to the end of the sustained clench, and the interaction between group and clench was significant: the median frequency decrease was larger in the osteoarthritis group. Our results suggested that masticatory muscles of patients with unilateral TMJ osteoarthritis are more easily fatigued during sustained clenching than normal subjects.     

牙尖交错位紧咬时颞下颌关节接触特征及应力分布的三维有限元研究

目的研究正常人牙尖交错位紧咬时颞下颌关节的接触特征及应力分布情况。方法建立颞下颌关节三维有限元模型,在Marc软件中定义髁突、关节盘和关节窝三者间的接触关系,运用接触模式,采用自动探测的方法求解有限元分析软件。结果牙尖交错位紧咬时,关节盘后带与双板区的交界处和髁突的后斜面首先发生接触,随后髁突的顶部、内侧面与关节盘的后带,髁突的前斜面与关节盘的中间带也发生接触。同一矢状面上Von Mises应力平均值的大小依次为:髁突>关节盘腹面>关节盘背面>关节窝。结论Marc所提供的接触分析模块能较为真实地反映牙尖交错位紧咬时颞下颌关节的接触特征;颞下颌关节各结构通过相互接触及关节盘的缓冲使应力分散和传递,反映颞下颌关节各解剖结构与生理功能之间具有良好的适应性。     

正常人牙尖交错位紧咬牙时颞下颌关节无单元-有限元耦合法二维生物力学分析

目的用无单元-有限元耦合法模拟分析正常人牙尖交错位紧咬牙时颞下颌关节生物力学分布特征。方法采用位移加载方式,应用ANSYS8.0对建立的正常颞下颌关节有限元模型进行分析,用自行编制的耦合程序对建立的正常颞下颌关节无单元-有限元耦合模型进行分析,比较两者的应力分析结果。结果有限元模型和耦合模型应力分析结果具有较高的相似性,反映的颞下颌关节应力分布特点基本相同,但耦合模型对关节盘的应力分析更精细。结论无单元-有限元耦合法是一种有效的数值模拟方法,在生物力学研究中有推广应用前景。     

Biomechanical and biochemical outcomes of porcine temporomandibular joint disc deformation

ObjectiveThe structure–function relationship in the healthy temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disc has been well established, however the changes in dysfunctional joints has yet to be systematically evaluated. Due to the poor understanding of the etiology of temporomandibular disorders (TMDs) this study evaluated naturally occurring degenerative remodeling in aged female porcine temporomandibular joint (TMJ) discs in order to gain insight into the progression and effects on possible treatment strategies of TMDs.DesignSurface and regional biomechanical and biochemical properties of discal tissues were determined in grossly deformed (≥Wilkes Stage 3) and morphologically normal (≤Wilkes Stage 2) TMJ discs.ResultsCompared to normal disc structure the deformed discs lacked a smooth biconcave shape and characteristic ECM organization. Reduction in tensile biomechanical integrity and increased compressive stiffness and cellularity was found in deformed discs. Regionally, the posterior and intermediate zones of the disc were most frequently affected along with the inferior surface.ConclusionsThe frequency of degeneration observed on the inferior surface of the disc (predominantly posterior), suggests that a disruption in the disc-condyle relationship likely contributes to the progression of joint dysfunction more than the temporodiscal relationship. As such, the inferior joint space may be an important consideration in early clinical diagnosis and treatment of TMDs, as it is overlooked in techniques performed in the upper joint space, including arthroscopy and arthrocentesis. Furthermore, permanent damage to the disc mechanical properties would limit the ability to successfully reposition deformed discs, highlighting the importance of emerging therapies such as tissue engineering.     

正常颞下颌关节应力分布的三维有限元研究

目的:探讨正常人牙尖交错位紧咬牙时颞下颌关节内的应力分布情况,了解生理状况下TMJ生物力学特点。方法:应用ANSYS 6.1对以往研究所建正常颞下颌关节三维有限元模型进行分析。加载情况接近正常生理。由ANSYS 6.1进行求解。在后处理器中研究分析应力分布与形变。结果:正常人牙尖交错位紧咬牙时颞下颌关节内拉压应力并存,存在剪切应力,分布较均匀,无特别明显应力集中表现。髁突前斜面等效应力值高于后斜面,而前斜面外侧区的应力值又明显高于内侧、中间区。关节盘腹面平均应力值大于背面,且背面应力分布较腹面均匀。腹面应力分布,外侧区最高,最大应力值0.244位于后带与双板区交界处;后带与中间带差别不大,但都明显大于前带。关节盘的变形量明显大于髁突及颞骨关节窝。颞骨关节窝前部即关节结节后斜面等效应力较大。结论:正常牙尖交错位紧咬牙时颞下颌关节内的应力分布,与髁突、关节盘、颞骨关节窝的解剖生理之间,具有良好的功能适应性。     

Autogenous dermal grafts for repair of temporomandibular joint disc perforations

In five Macaca fascicularis monkeys bilateral 5-mm perforations of the intra-articular disc were followed by unilateral repair with autogenous dermal grafts. The monkeys were killed at three, six, 12, 24, and 36 weeks after surgery. The temporomandibular joints (TMJs) were removed en bloc, decalcified, and sectioned in the sagittal plane for histologic examination. All of the control untreated disc perforations, with the exception of one, failed to heal. With all of the grafted disc perforations, viable dermis and fibrous connective tissue proliferation were seen in the area of the repaired perforation. Therefore, autogenous dermal grafting appears to be an acceptable technique for repair of the damaged disc in degenerative joint disease of the TMJ.