[Analysis of the changes of temporomandibular joint under repeated +Gz stress]

Changes of temporomandibular joint (TMJ) under repeated +Gz stress were discussed. From the etiological point of view in TMJ, many papers in the fields of aviation medicine, microcirculation, maxillofacial surgery and bone surgery were reviewed. +Gz forces can cause inadequacy of blood of oxygen supply to TMJ area. This situation can be worsened by release of free radical agent and cellular factors, ischemia/reperfusion injury, and/or hemorrheologic changes. Furthermore, G-induced injury of cervical muscles and spine may break the maxillofacial muscle chain balance. In addition to the above factors, mental stress may do harm to TMJ. This paper introduced the researches on this area in an attempt to enlighten the concern about TMJ responses to increased +Gz acceleration forces.