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Diagnostic group differences in temporomandibular joint energy densities
L M Gallo1, L R Iwasaki, Y M Gonzalez
1Center of Dental Medicine, Clinic of Masticatory Disorders, Removable Prosthodontics, Geriatric and Special Care Dentistry, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland.
Orthodontics & Craniofacial Research
|April 14, 2015
Summary
Mechanical work may cause cartilage fatigue in the temporomandibular joint (TMJ). Higher energy densities were found in subjects with TMJ pain and disk displacement, suggesting a unique mechanism for cartilage fatigue.
Area of Science:
- Biomechanical Engineering
- Orthodontics
- Dental Research
Background:
- Cartilage fatigue from mechanical stress may accelerate degenerative joint disease in the temporomandibular joint (TMJ).
- Understanding TMJ biomechanics is crucial for diagnosing and managing temporomandibular disorders (TMD).
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare energy densities in the TMJs of subjects with different diagnostic criteria for TMD.
- To investigate the role of mechanical work in TMJ cartilage fatigue.
Main Methods:
- Sixty-eight subjects were categorized into three groups based on pain and disk displacement using diagnostic criteria for TMD (DC/TMD).
- Cone-beam computed tomography, magnetic resonance imaging, and jaw-tracking data were collected.
- Numerical modeling and dynamic stereometry were used to calculate TMJ loads and energy densities.
Main Results:
- The group with both pain and disk displacement (+P+DD) exhibited significantly higher mean energy density (12.7 mJ/mm³) compared to groups without pain (-P+DD: 7.4 mJ/mm³; -P-DD: 5.8 mJ/mm³).
- No significant difference in energy density was observed between the groups without pain.
Conclusions:
- Differences in energy densities among diagnostic groups suggest mechanical work contributes to cartilage fatigue.
- Pain and disk displacement in the TMJ may be linked to increased mechanical energy input, potentially leading to cartilage fatigue.
