State Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases, and National Clinical Research Center for Oral Disease, and West China Hospital of Stomatology, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China.
J Biomater Appl. 2024 Oct;39(4):269-287. doi: 10.1177/08853282241265059. Epub 2024 Jul 18.
The temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disc is an essential protective but vulnerable fibrocartilage. Their high mechanical strength is vital in absorbing loads, reducing friction, and protecting the condylar surface. Many diseases can lead to the destruction or degeneration of the mechanical function of the TMJ disc. Unfortunately, conservative treatment is ineffective in restoring the defective mechanical properties of the discs. Tissue engineering has been investigated as a promising alternative treatment approach to approximate the properties of native tissue. However, it is difficult for tissue-engineered discs to obtain sufficient mechanical properties. Several approaches have been proposed to improve the mechanical properties of tissue-engineered constructs. In this review, we summarized the mechanical properties of native TMJ discs and discussed the current mechanical testing methods. We then summarized the current advances in improving the mechanical properties of TMJ disc tissue-engineered constructs. Moreover, existing challenges and outbreak directions are discussed. This review assists future research in better understanding the mechanical properties of both native and tissue-engineered TMJ discs. It provides new insights into future mechanical property enhancement for TMJ disc tissue engineering.
颞下颌关节（TMJ）盘是一种重要的保护性但脆弱的纤维软骨。它们具有较高的机械强度，对于吸收负荷、减少摩擦和保护髁突表面至关重要。许多疾病可导致 TMJ 盘的机械功能破坏或退化。不幸的是，保守治疗对于恢复盘的缺陷机械性能无效。组织工程已被研究为一种有前途的替代治疗方法，以近似于天然组织的特性。然而，组织工程盘很难获得足够的机械性能。已经提出了几种方法来改善组织工程构建体的机械性能。在这篇综述中，我们总结了天然 TMJ 盘的机械性能，并讨论了当前的机械测试方法。然后，我们总结了目前提高 TMJ 盘组织工程构建体机械性能的进展。此外，还讨论了存在的挑战和发展方向。这篇综述有助于未来的研究更好地理解天然和组织工程 TMJ 盘的机械性能。它为 TMJ 盘组织工程的机械性能增强提供了新的见解。
