Regional variations in the viscoelastic compressive properties of the temporomandibular joint disc and implications toward tissue engineering

Evidence from experimental and finite element studies have shown that the temporomandibular joint disc is heavily loaded during normal physiological function. Several studies have been carried out to investigate the response of the disc to tensile and static compressive forces. However, there is limited information that elucidates the dynamic characteristics of the disc under in vivo loading conditions. These investigations assessed the effect of physiologically relevant applied strain amplitudes and frequencies to determine regional mechanical properties of the disc. Cyclic tests on porcine TMJ discs were carried out over a period of 15 cycles, and the resultant compressive moduli and energy dissipation properties of the disc were reported. Results showed that modulus values were more dependent on strain amplitude than on frequency, and modulus values exhibited a strong regional variation. Clear hysteresis loops were evident in each set of testing parameters, and the only statistically significant regional variation in energy dissipation was between the central and medial regions. From these investigations, a more detailed understanding of the spatial mechanical properties of the TMJ disc has been achieved under physiologically relevant loading conditions. Combined with studies on other loading modalities of the disc, these results will serve as a benchmark for future TMJ disc tissue engineering endeavors.