Dynamics modeling of human temporomandibular joint during whiplash

The objective of this study is to simulate the dynamic response of the temporomandibular joint forces within a rear-end impacted vehicle. Clinicians reports symptoms of temporomandibular joint disorders in many patients who have experienced vehicle rear-end impacts. In rear-end impact, a vehicle occupant's head is thrust rearward with respect to the vehicle in a whiplash action. During this motion, complex dynamic forces act on the jaw bone. To understand the dynamic forces acting on the jaw, we extended an existing human head/neck model by adding a movable jaw, and performed simulation of the jaw motions during rear-end impacts at 4.2, 6.4 and 9.6 m/s. Results predicted temporomandibular joint torques, relative angle between the head and jaw, jaw angular acceleration and linear acceleration of the jaw's center of mass.