An Interspecies Comparison of the Temporomandibular Joint Disc

Abstract

A supplemental appendix to this article is published electronically only at http://jdr.sagepub.com/Appendix. ABSTRACTThe temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disc plays a critical role in normal function of the joint, and many disorders of the TMJ are a result of disc dysfunction. Previous quantitative TMJ characterization studies examined either the human or a specific animal model, but no single study has compared different species, in the belief that differences in joint morphology, function, and diet would be reflected in the material properties of the disc. In this study, we examined topographical biochemical (collagen, glycosaminoglycan, and DNA content) and biomechanical (tensile and compressive) properties of the human TMJ disc, and also discs from the cow, goat, pig, and rabbit. Regional and interspecies variations were identified in all parameters measured, and certain disc characteristics were observed across all species, such as a weak intermediate zone under mediolateral tension. While human discs possessed properties distinct from those of the other species, pig discs were most similar to the human, suggesting that the pig may be a suitable animal model for TMJ bioengineering efforts.

Sustained Inflammation Induces Degeneration of the Temporomandibular Joint

“…Besides cellularity, increases in disc thickness may be accounted for by matrix characteristics. Type I collagen is the predominant component of the extracellular matrix in the TMJ disc in humans and rats (Kalpakci et al, 2011). GAG binds to type I collagen in the disc and serves to accumulate tissue fluid (Allen and Athanasiou, 2006).…”

The Yucatan Minipig Temporomandibular Joint Disc Structure–Function Relationships Support Its Suitability for Human Comparative Studies

“…13 Throughout testing, samples were submerged in isotonic saline at room temperature. Following the application of 10% and 20% strain at 10%/s of sample thickness, platen position was maintained for 600 and 1200s, respectively, for relaxation to reach equilibrium.…”

“…8 Because of the complex loading patterns that engineered tissues are expected to experience in the TMJ, acquisition of complete design parameters from native tissue is critical. In recognition of this, several studies characterizing the properties of TMJ discs in farm animals and humans have been performed, 12,13 and efforts to engineer biologically functional tissue have generated promising results.…”

Osseointegration on Temporomandibular Joint Implants with Different Novel Surface Modifications

“…The number of clinical cases of temporomandibular implant surgery is presently on the rise. Temporomandibular disorders (TMDs) are common in adults; one-third of adults are reported to have one or more symptoms, which include joint pain, headaches, clicking, or muscle tenderness [1][2][3] . TMDs are defi ned by a cluster of conditions characterized by pain in the temporomandibular joint (TMJ) during jaw motion 4) .…”