Stress shielding FE analysis on the temporomandibular joint.

Abstract

The purpose of this study is to develop a FE model of the temporomandibular joint (TMJ) to investigate a musculoskeletal System of forces able to taking into account the effect of all the muscles on the TMJ in terms of stress evaluated on the bone. A 3-dimensional finite element model of the mandible was constructed from the images generated by cone-beam computed tomography of a patient undergoing fixed orthodontic treatment. In order to define the loading force system an exustive study was developed to investigated the entity of the Lateral pterygoid, Masseter, medial pterygoid, Temporalis, and Geniohoid digastric, muscles. Stresses in the TMJ components (disc, mandible condyle and the fossa eminence on the skull) were obtained. The results have shown stress distribution during normal occlusion. An appreciation of the anatomical and mechanical features associated with the TMJ can serve as a foundation for understanding a patient's clinical presentation. Performance of a thorough patient history and clinical examination can guide the clinician toward an improved diagnostic process.