Regenerative medicine approaches in large animal models for the temporomandibular joint meniscus

Abstract

Several recent advancements have occurred regarding engineering replacements for tissues of the temporomandibular joint (TMJ). This review specifically summarizes the in vitro technological developments for TMJ meniscus tissue engineering followed by an in-depth look at in vivo studies for the regeneration of the TMJ meniscus, with a focus on large animal models. One recent study used mini-pigs to study implants placed into a partial thickness defects of the TMJ meniscus. The authors investigated the use of allogeneic costal chondrocytes in scaffold-free TMJ implants. Implants were found to be well integrated and the mechanical strength of the defects was more robust in the implanted meniscus than in untreated defects. Two recently published studies in a canine model showed that an extracellular matrix bioscaffold derived from porcine urinary bladder was an effective material for reconstruction of the TMJ meniscus. The composition and mechanical properties of the remodeled tissue were similar to that of the native meniscus. It is important to note that the half-life of these replaced meniscus is unknown, and that successful repair is dependent on identifying the cause for internal derangement. In the future, a large animal model that includes both healthy and pathogenic sites of implantation needs further investigation.