Research Information

Research and Developments

The temporomandibular joint (TMJ) is a complex hinge joint that allows your jaw to smoothly open and close when properly functioning. Temporomandibular Joint Dysfunction (TMJD), often misreferred to as TMJ, is a complex condition involving an issue with the TMJ structure. These may include but are not restricted to: internal derangement (dislocation), trauma to various structures, muscular issues, condylar disease, and more. Due to the complexity of the TMJ anatomy and TMJD, which both we still to an extent, poorly understand, modern medicine can't address many forms of TMJD in ideal ways.

Developments

Various groups are actively working on projects that aim to supersede old TMD treatment modalities.

Hyaleon®

Hyaleon® is a cartilage-like implant created by Cartilage Inc., a UCI-based startup. Researchers at UCI recently received a $6 million award from The California Institute of Regenerative Medicine (CIRM) for their project "Treatment of the TMJ Disc Copmlex." The goal of the project is to produce a tissue implant for the articular menicus ("disc"). Disc displacement is one of the most common causes of TMJ dysfunction (occurring in 80-90% of TMD patients) and can throw off the entire functionality of the joint. This is often referred to as "internal derangement." The Hyaleon® project could potentially be a major game-changer for people struggling with TMJ disorders.

Research

Below are various studies (study, outcome and interpretation) that provide valuable insight into our understanding of the TMJ as well as future developments

Disc Regeneration/Implants

This information below is compiled from several publicly-accessible papers. Credits:
University of Illinois Chicago - "Bioactive Scaffold for TMJ Regeneration by Endogenous Stem/Progenitor Cells"

TMJ disorders affect over 10 million people in the United States. 80-90% of TMD patients experience some form of disc displacement (or "internal derangement" (ID)). Therefore, disc displacement is a major problem to solve. The solution that has been the most sought after during recent years is the construction of a working synthetic disc graft. Most frequently, this has been attempted through meticulously building an anatomically accurate scaffold (with proper microfiber orientation and shape) made of PCL, a biodegradable plastic. Growth factors are then introduced to differentiate stem cells into the appropriate fibrous and cartilaginous tissues. Unfortunately, despite all the research and work, such synthetic grafts have not yet been proven successful in vivo (in life forms) outside of small mammals.

If you have suggestions for any studies/notable projects, please reach out to us!

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