Temporomandibular Joint 3D-investigation for the development of bio inspired scaffold materials

The temporomandibular joint (TMJ) is responsible for chewing movements, sound articulation, facial expression, and facial symmetry. Therefore, dysfunction in this joint leads to issues in food intake, aesthetics, and communication besides causing high levels of pain in the individual. The few treatments available for TMJ disorders comprise the administration of intra-articular injections, which can result in TMJ degeneration and the need for a joint replacement using commercially available faulty prostheses. The present work aims to characterize the intricate anatomic structure of human TMJs by using hierarchical phase-contrast tomography. Data collection will be essential to our Horizon 2020 project (http://www.interlynk-h2020.eu/) which targets creating scaffolds for improving TMJ replacements. The collected images will be used to enable the creation of bio-inspired, more efficient TMJ replacements in the future.