Three-dimensional finite element analysis of the cartilaginous structures in the human temporomandibular joint.
While the movability of the human temporomandibular joint is great, the strains and stresses in the cartilaginous structures might largely depend on the position of the mandible with respect to the skull. This hypothesis was investigated by means of static three-dimensional finite element simulations involving different habitual condylar positions. Furthermore, the influence of several model parameters was examined by sensitivity analyses. The results indicated that the disc moved together with the condyle in the anterior direction without the presence of ligaments and the lateral pterygoid muscle. By adapting its shape to the changing geometry of the articular surfaces, the disc prevented small contact areas and thus local peak loading. In a jaw-closed configuration, the influence of 30 degrees variations of the loading direction was negligible. The load distribution capability of the disc appeared to be proportional to its elasticity and was enhanced by the fibrocartilage layers on the articular surfaces.
Beek
M
M
Department of Functional Anatomy, Academic Center for Dentistry Amsterdam (ACTA), The Netherlands.
Koolstra
J H
JH
van Ruijven
L J
LJ
van Eijden
T M
TM
D000368:Aged; D002358:Cartilage, Articular / Q000033:anatomy & histology* / Q000502:physiology; D003198:Computer Simulation; D003768:Dental Occlusion, Centric; D004548:Elasticity; D020342:Finite Element Analysis; D006801:Humans; D008023:Ligaments, Articular / Q000033:anatomy & histology / Q000502:physiology; D008297:Male; D008334:Mandible / Q000033:anatomy & histology; D008335:Mandibular Condyle / Q000033:anatomy & histology* / Q000502:physiology; D008954:Models, Biological; D016012:Poisson Distribution; D011626:Pterygoid Muscles / Q000033:anatomy & histology / Q000502:physiology; D016059:Range of Motion, Articular / Q000502:physiology; D012680:Sensitivity and Specificity; D013314:Stress, Mechanical; D013701:Temporal Bone / Q000033:anatomy & histology / Q000502:physiology; D013704:Temporomandibular Joint / Q000033:anatomy & histology* / Q000502:physiology; D019224:Temporomandibular Joint Disc / Q000033:anatomy & histology / Q000502:physiology; D016474:Weight-Bearing / Q000502:physiology