Skip to main content

Advertisement

SpringerLink
Log in

Stress distribution in the temporo-mandibular joint discs during jaw closing: a high-resolution three-dimensional finite-element model analysis

  • Original Article
  • Published:
Surgical and Radiologic Anatomy Aims and scope Submit manuscript

Abstract

Purpose

This study aims at analysing the stresses distribution in the temporomandibular joint (TMJ) using a complete high-resolution finite element model (FE Model). This model is used here to analyse the stresses distribution in the discs during a closing jaw cycle. In the end, this model enables the prediction of the stress evolution in the TMJ disc submitted to various loadings induced by mandibular trauma, surgery or parafunction.

Materials and methods

The geometric data for the model were obtained from MRI and CT scans images of a healthy male patient. Surface and volume meshes were successively obtained using a 3D image segmentation software (AMIRA®). Bone components of skull and mandible, both of joint discs, temporomandibular capsules and ligaments and dental arches were meshed as separate bodies. The volume meshes were transferred to the FE analysis software (FORGE®). Material properties were assigned for each region. Boundary conditions for closing jaw simulations were represented by different load directions of jaws muscles. The von Mises stresses distribution in both joint discs during closing conditions was analyzed.

Results

The pattern of von Mises stresses in the TMJ discs is non-symmetric and changed continuously during jaw movement. Maximal stress is reached on the surface disc in areas in contact with others bodies.

Conclusions

The three-dimension finite element model of masticatory system will make it possible to simulate different conditions that appear to be important in the cascade of events leading to joint damage.

This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.

Access this article

Log in via an institution

Price excludes VAT (USA)
Tax calculation will be finalised during checkout.

Instant access to the full article PDF.

Institutional subscriptions

Fig. 1
Fig. 2
Fig. 3
Fig. 4
Fig. 5
Fig. 6
Fig. 7

Similar content being viewed by others

References

  1. Asundi A, Kishen A (2000) A strain gauge and photoelastic analysis of in vivo strain and in vitro strain distribution in human dental supporting structures. Arch Oral Biol 45:543–550

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  2. Beek M, Koolstra JH, van Ruijven LJ, van Eijden TM (2000) Three-dimensional finite element analysis of the human temporomandibular joint disc. J Biomech 33:307–316. doi:S0021929099001682

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  3. Benbelaid R, Fleiter B, Zouaoui A, Gaudy JF (2005) Proposed graphical system of evaluating disc-condyle displacements of the temporomandibular joint in MRI. Surg Radiol Anat 27:361–367. doi:10.1007/s00276-005-0013-8

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  4. Costa AL, Yasuda CL, Appenzeller S, Lopes SL, Cendes F (2008) Comparison of conventional MRI and 3D reconstruction model for evaluation of temporomandibular joint. Surg Radiol Anat 30:663–667. doi:10.1007/s00276-008-0400-z

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  5. Devocht JW, Goel VK, Zeitler DL, Lew D (2001) Experimental validation of a finite element model of the temporomandibular joint. J Oral Maxillofac Surg 59:775–778

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  6. Donzelli PS, Gallo LM, Spilker RL, Palla S (2004) Biphasic finite element simulation of the TMJ disc from in vivo kinematic and geometric measurements. J Biomech 37:1787–1791. doi:10.1016/j.jbiomech.2004.01.029

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  7. Faulkner M, Hatcher D, Hay A (1987) A three-dimensional investigation of temporomandibular joint loading. J Biomech 20:997–1002

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  8. Gupta A, Hazarey PV, Kharbanda OP, Kohli VS, Gunjal A (2009) Stress distribution in the temporomandibular joint after mandibular protraction: a three-dimensional finite element study. Am J Orthod Dentofacial Orthop 135:749–756

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  9. Hirose M, Tanaka E, Tanaka M, Fujita R, Kuroda Y, Yamano E, van Eijden TM, Tanne K (2006) Three-dimensional finite-element model of the human temporomandibular joint disc during prolonged clenching. Eur J Oral Sci 114:441–448

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  10. Hu K, Qiguo R, Fang J, Mao J (2003) Effects of condylar fibrocartilage on the biomechanical loading of the human temporomandibular joint in a three-dimensional, nonlinear finite element model. Med Eng Phys 25:170–113

    Google Scholar 

  11. Iwasaki LR, Petsche PE, McCall WD, Marx D, Nickel JC (2003) Neuromuscular objectives of the human masticatory apparatus during static biting. Arch Oral Biol 48:767–777

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  12. Koolstra JH (2002) Dynamics of the human masticatory system. Crit Rev Oral Biol Med 13:366–376

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  13. Koolstra JH, Tanaka E (2009) Tensile stress patterns predicted in the articular disc of the human temporomandibular joint. J Anat 215:411–416

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  14. Koolstra JH, van Eijden TM (1992) Application and validation of a three-dimensional mathematical model of the human masticatory system in vivo. J Biomech 25:175–187

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  15. Koolstra JH, van Eijden TM (2005) Combined finite-element and rigid-body analysis of human jaw joint dynamics. J Biomech 38:2431–2439

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  16. Koolstra JH, van Eijden TM (2007) Consequences of viscoelastic behavior in the human temporomandibular joint disc. J Dent Res 86:1198–1202. doi:86/12/1198

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  17. Koolstra JH, van Eijden TM, Weijs WA, Naeije M (1988) A three-dimensional mathematical model of the human masticatory system predicting maximum possible bite forces. J Biomech 21:563–576. doi:0021-9290(88)90219-9

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  18. Landes CA, Laudemann K, Sader R, Mack M (2008) Prospective changes to condylar position in symphyseal distraction osteogenesis. Oral Surg Oral Med Oral Pathol Oral Radiol Endod 106:163–172

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  19. Lindenmeyer A, Sutcliffe P, Eghtessad M, Goudden R, Speculand B, Harris M (2010) Oral and maxillofacial surgery and chronic painful temporomandibular disorders—a systematic review. J Oral Maxillofac Surg 68:2755–2764

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  20. Nagahara K, Murata S, Nakamura S, Tsuchiya T (1999) Displacement and stress distribution in the temporomandibular joint during clenching. Angle Orthod 69:372–379

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  21. Natali N (2003) Dental biomechanics. Taylor & Francis, London, pp 20–33

  22. Odin G, Savoldelli C, Bouchard PO, Tillier Y (2010) Determination of Young’s modulus of mandibular bone using inverse analysis. Med Eng Phys 32:630–637

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  23. Pérez Del Palomar A, Doblare M (2006) Finite element analysis of the temporomandibular joint during lateral excursions of the mandible. J Biomech 39:2153–2163

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  24. Rohrle O, Pullan AJ (2007) Three-dimensional finite element modelling of muscle forces during mastication. J Biomech 40:3363–3372

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  25. Savoldelli C, Tillier Y, Bouchard PO, Odin G (2009) Apport de la méthode des éléments finis en chirurgie maxillofaciale. Rev Stomatol Chir Maxillofac 110:27–33

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  26. Spilker RL, Nickel JC, Iwasaki LR (2009) A biphasic finite element model of in vitro plowing tests of the temporomandibular joint disc. Ann Biomed Eng 37:1152–1164. doi:10.1007/s10439-009-9685-2

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  27. Tanaka E, Hirose M, Koolstra JH, van Eijden TM, Iwabuchi Y, Fujita R, Tanaka M, Tanne K (2008) Modeling of the effect of friction in the temporomandibular joint on displacement of its disc during prolonged clenching. J Oral Maxillofac Surg 66:462–468

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  28. Tanaka E, Koolstra JH (2008) Biomechanics of the temporomandibular joint. J Dent Res 87:989–991. doi:87/11/989

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  29. Tanaka E, Rodrigo DP, Tanaka M, Kawaguchi A, Shibazaki T, Tanne K (2001) Stress analysis in the TMJ during jaw opening by use of a three-dimensional finite element model based on magnetic resonance images. Int J Oral Maxillofac Surg 30:421–430

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  30. Tanaka E, Yamano E, Dalla-Bona DA, Watanabe M, Inubushi T, Shirakura M, Sano R, Takahashi K, van Eijden T, Tanne K (2006) Dynamic compressive properties of the mandibular condylar cartilage. J Dent Res 85:571–575. doi:85/6/571

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

Download references

Conflict of interest

None.

Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Oral and Maxillo-facial Surgery, Head and Neck Institute, 31 Avenue de Valombrose, 06000, Nice, France

    Charles Savoldelli

  2. MINES Paris Tech, CEMEF, 1 rue Claude Daunesse, 06904, Sophia-Antipolis, France

    Pierre-Olivier Bouchard, Raounak Loudad & Yannick Tillier

  3. Faculty of Medicine, 33 Avenue de Valombrose, 06000, Nice, France

    Patrick Baque

Authors
  1. Charles Savoldelli
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  2. Pierre-Olivier Bouchard
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  3. Raounak Loudad
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  4. Patrick Baque
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  5. Yannick Tillier
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

Corresponding author

Correspondence to Charles Savoldelli.

Rights and permissions

Reprints and permissions

About this article

Cite this article

Savoldelli, C., Bouchard, PO., Loudad, R. et al. Stress distribution in the temporo-mandibular joint discs during jaw closing: a high-resolution three-dimensional finite-element model analysis. Surg Radiol Anat 34, 405–413 (2012). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00276-011-0917-4

Download citation

  • Received:

  • Accepted:

  • Published:

  • Issue Date:

  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00276-011-0917-4

Keywords

Search

Navigation