ANALYSIS OF THE MECHANISM OF LUBRICATION OF THE TEMPOROMANDIBULAR JOINT

Abstract

The aim of the work is to identify the lubrication conditions of the correct temporomandibular joint (TMJ) based on spatial modeling of joint structures, load simulations, reduced stresses, and resultant deformations in correlation with rheological parameters of synovial fluid. The material used in this study is the results of normal joint imaging performed using a standardized technique under occlusal conditions. Modeling and the simulation of contact, after the introduction of strength parameters of hard tissues, fibrous cartilage, and synovial fluid and the imposition of boundary conditions was carried out in the following program: Femap NE Nastran. Spatial simulation of contact between joint structures, virtual loading, and the visualization of what happens in the joint allows one to identify these structures in terms of tribology and strength. The transfer of loads in TMJ results from the geometric form of the supporting bone structures and joint surfaces, the distribution of the cartilage tissue building these surfaces, the geometry of the disc, and rheological parameters of the joint synovial fluid. In normal and loaded TMJ, differential displacement occurs in the joint cavity and cartilage structures, which stimulates the lubrication mechanism and optimize the use of synovial fluid properties. The joints are characterized by the absorption of maximum stresses reduced by bone structures. Load compensation and suspension is achieved by cartilage covering the joint surfaces and, to a large extent, by the joint disc and elastic-viscous response of a synovial fluid.