Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jan 30, 2026
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Systematic Assessment of Mammalian Skull Specimens for Dental and Temporomandibular Joint Pathology
Published on: August 22, 2022
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Remaining Hurdles for Tissue-Engineering the Temporomandibular Joint Disc
Ryan P Donahue1, Jerry C Hu1, Kyriacos A Athanasiou1
1Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of California, Irvine, Irvine, CA, USA.
Trends in Molecular Medicine
|January 26, 2019
Summary
Tissue engineering offers promising solutions for temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disc regeneration, addressing the limitations of current temporomandibular disorder (TMD) treatments. Further research and collaboration are crucial for clinical translation.
Area of Science:
- Regenerative Medicine
- Biomaterials Science
- Orthopedic Research
Background:
- Temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disc damage affects 70% of individuals with temporomandibular disorders (TMDs), a prevalent condition impacting 25% of the population.
- Current TMD treatments are often inefficient, necessitating the development of advanced therapeutic strategies.
- Tissue engineering presents a viable approach for regenerating the TMJ disc, aiming to restore native joint function.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review recent advancements in tissue engineering for TMJ disc regeneration.
- To evaluate the potential of various approaches, including scaffold-based and scaffold-free methods, cell sources, and stimulation techniques.
- To identify challenges and future directions for translating tissue-engineered TMJ discs into clinical practice.
Main Methods:
- Review of current literature on tissue engineering strategies for TMJ disc repair.
- Analysis of scaffold-based and scaffold-free techniques, including cell sourcing and biochemical/mechanical stimulation.
- Evaluation of preclinical (animal) study outcomes regarding safety and efficacy of engineered constructs.
Main Results:
- Tissue-engineered constructs have demonstrated the ability to achieve native tissue mechanics.
- Orthotopic animal studies show promising safety and efficacy for tissue-engineered TMJ disc implants.
- Significant progress has been made in developing functional TMJ disc tissue substitutes.
Conclusions:
- Tissue engineering holds significant potential for treating TMJ disc internal derangement and associated TMDs.
- Overcoming hurdles in tissue engineering techniques and navigating clinical/regulatory pathways are essential for successful translation.
- Collaborative efforts between clinicians and researchers are vital for advancing safe and effective clinical trials for TMJ disc regeneration.
Keywords:
temporomandibular joint disc
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