A finite element analysis of the human temporomandibular joint

A 2-D finite element model of the human temporomandibular joint (TMJ) has been developed to investigate the stresses and reaction forces within the joint during normal sagittal jaw closure. The mechanical parameters analyzed were maximum principal and von Mises stresses in the disk, the contact stresses on the condylar and temporal surfaces, and the condylar reactions. The model bypassed the complexity of estimating muscle forces by using measured joint motion as input. The model was evaluated by several tests. The results demonstrated that the resultant condylar reaction force was directed toward the posterior side of the eminence. The contact stresses along the condylar and temporal surfaces were not evenly distributed. Separations were found at both upper and lower boundaries. High tensile stresses were found at the upper boundaries. High tensile stresses were found at the upper boundary of the middle portion of the disk.