Biomaterial Database

Lubrication of the temporomandibular joint. 2008

Eiji Tanaka, and Michael S Detamore, and Kotaro Tanimoto, and Nobuhiko Kawai

Department of Orthodontics and Craniofacial Developmental Biology, Hiroshima University Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, 1-2-3 Kasumi, Minami-ku, Hiroshima, 734-8553, Japan. etanaka@hiroshima-u.ac.jp

Although tissue engineering of the temporomandibular joint (TMJ) structures is in its infancy, tissue engineering provides the revolutionary possibility for treatment of temporomandibular disorders (TMDs). Recently, several reviews have provided a summary of knowledge of TMJ structure and function at the biochemical, cellular, or mechanical level for tissue engineering of mandibular cartilage, bone and the TMJ disc. As the TMJ enables large relative movements, joint lubrication can be considered of great importance for an understanding of the dynamics of the TMJ. The tribological characteristics of the TMJ are essential for reconstruction and tissue engineering of the joint. The purpose of this review is to provide a summary of advances relevant to the tribological characteristics of the TMJ and to serve as a reference for future research in this field. This review consists of four parts. Part 1 is a brief review of the anatomy and function of the TMJ articular components. In Part 2, the biomechanical and biochemical factors associated with joint lubrication are described: the articular surface topology with microscopic surface roughness and the biomechanical loading during jaw movements. Part 3 includes lubrication theories and possible mechanisms for breakdown of joint lubrication. Finally, in Part 4, the requirement and possibility of tissue engineering for treatment of TMDs with degenerative changes as a future treatment regimen will be discussed in a tribological context.

UI	MeSH Term	Description	Entries
D008153	Lubrication	The application of LUBRICANTS to diminish FRICTION between two surfaces.	Lubrications
D008954	Models, Biological	Theoretical representations that simulate the behavior or activity of biological processes or diseases. For disease models in living animals, DISEASE MODELS, ANIMAL is available. Biological models include the use of mathematical equations, computers, and other electronic equipment.	Biological Model,Biological Models,Model, Biological,Models, Biologic,Biologic Model,Biologic Models,Model, Biologic
D003198	Computer Simulation	Computer-based representation of physical systems and phenomena such as chemical processes.	Computational Modeling,Computational Modelling,Computer Models,In silico Modeling,In silico Models,In silico Simulation,Models, Computer,Computerized Models,Computer Model,Computer Simulations,Computerized Model,In silico Model,Model, Computer,Model, Computerized,Model, In silico,Modeling, Computational,Modeling, In silico,Modelling, Computational,Simulation, Computer,Simulation, In silico,Simulations, Computer
D006801	Humans	Members of the species Homo sapiens.	Homo sapiens,Man (Taxonomy),Human,Man, Modern,Modern Man
D000818	Animals	Unicellular or multicellular, heterotrophic organisms, that have sensation and the power of voluntary movement. Under the older five kingdom paradigm, Animalia was one of the kingdoms. Under the modern three domain model, Animalia represents one of the many groups in the domain EUKARYOTA.	Animal,Metazoa,Animalia
D013582	Synovial Fluid	The clear, viscous fluid secreted by the SYNOVIAL MEMBRANE. It contains mucin, albumin, fat, and mineral salts and serves to lubricate joints.	Synovia,Fluid, Synovial,Fluids, Synovial,Synovial Fluids
D013704	Temporomandibular Joint	An articulation between the condyle of the mandible and the articular tubercle of the temporal bone.	TMJ,Joint, Temporomandibular,Joints, Temporomandibular,Temporomandibular Joints
D016059	Range of Motion, Articular	The distance and direction to which a bone joint can be extended. Range of motion is a function of the condition of the joints, muscles, and connective tissues involved. Joint flexibility can be improved through appropriate MUSCLE STRETCHING EXERCISES.	Passive Range of Motion,Joint Flexibility,Joint Range of Motion,Range of Motion,Flexibility, Joint
D017276	Friction	Surface resistance to the relative motion of one body against the rubbing, sliding, rolling, or flowing of another with which it is in contact.