Temporomandibular Joint Model for Asymptomatic and Dysfunctional Joints - Computational Biomechanics of the Musculoskeletal System - page 283

22 Temporomandibular Joint

Model for Asymptomatic
and Dysfunctional Joints

Zhan Liu, Yuan-li Zhang, Ying-li Qian, and Yubo Fan

ContentS
Summary ........................................................................................................................................ 283
22.1 Introduction .......................................................................................................................... 284
22.2 Comparative Research of TMJ Simulations ......................................................................... 285
22.2.1 Development of a Mandible and TMJ Model ........................................................... 285
22.2.1.1 Finite Element Modeling ........................................................................... 285
22.2.1.2 Simulations of TMJs .................................................................................. 286
22.2.1.3 Loading and Boundary Conditions ............................................................ 287
22.2.2 Analysis of the TMJ Model and Applications .......................................................... 287
22.2.3 Summary and Significance ....................................................................................... 289
22.3 Effects of Occlusal Loads on Stress Distributions in TMJ .................................................. 289
22.3.1 Development of the Finite Element Model and Parameter Settings ......................... 289
22.3.2 Calculation of the TMJ Model.................................................................................. 290
22.3.3 Analysis and Application .......................................................................................... 291
22.4 Biomechanical Models of Typical Temporomandibular Disorders ...................................... 292
22.4.1 Model Development .................................................................................................. 292
22.4.2 Analysis of TMD Models and Applications ............................................................. 293
22.4.2.1 Relaxation of the Discal Attachment ......................................................... 293
22.4.2.2 Disc Displacements .................................................................................... 294
22.4.2.3 Disc Perforation ......................................................................................... 295
22.4.3 Summary and Significance ....................................................................................... 296
Acknowledgments .......................................................................................................................... 296
References ...................................................................................................................................... 296

Summary
The temporomandibular joints (TMJ) are the only bilateral linked joints in the human body, and are
necessary for chewing, swallowing, speech, facial expression, and so on. Computational models can be
used to understand the biomechanics of the joint and provide some clinical guidance. Three-dimensional
finite element (FE) models of the human mandible and TMJs were developed from reconstructed
computed tomography (CT) images of volunteers. The interfaces between the disc and cartilages of
the condyle and the temporal bone were bonded together and simulated as gap elements and contact
elements, respectively. The results showed that the final configuration and the stress distribution of the
TMJ were reasonable when contact elements were simulated on the upper and lower interfaces of the
disc, and nonlinear cable elements were used to simulate the disc attachments and mandibular liga-
ments. Based on these findings, this method was used to analyze the stress distribution of the TMJ under
different occlusal loads and the biomechanical effects of typical temporomandibular disorders (TMD),

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