A Comparison of the Mechanical Properties of the Goat Temporomandibular Joint Disc to the Mandibular Condylar Cartilage in Unconfined Compression
- Department of Oral Biology, Department of Bioengineering, Center for Craniofacial Regeneration, McGowan Institute of Regenerative Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, 15261, USA
- Alejandro J. Almarza, aja19{at}pitt.edu
Abstract
The aim of this study was to make a comparison of the compressive properties of the goat temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disc
to the mandibular condylar cartilage (MCC) and to explore the transversely isotropic biphasic model. Samples taken mediolaterally
from three regions of the TMJ disc and MCC were tested in unconfined compression at strain levels ranging from 10% to 50%
and then assessed for biochemical content. The results indicated that the TMJ disc exhibits a significantly greater tangent
modulus than the MCC from 20% to 50% strain with values ranging from 
to 
kPa and 
to 
kPa, respectively (
). The collagen content of the TMJ disc was significantly greater than the MCC, while the opposite held for the glycosaminoglycan
(GAG) and DNA content. The results emphasize fundamental differences between the articulating tissues of the TMJ.
- Received January 7, 2011.
- Revision received March 14, 2011.
- Accepted March 24, 2011.
- © 2011 Catherine K. Hagandora et al.
