
1 CE Credit
Research in Regeneration for TMJ Disorders
Michael Detamore, PhD
1 CE Credit
Michael Detamore, PhD
Disorders of the temporomandibular joint (TMJ) span a complex spectrum of etiologies, afflictions, and symptoms. It is crucial to tailor treatment to the specific indications of the patient, and for a select group of patients there may be a promising future alternative treatment with regenerative medicine. By understanding the structure of the primary components of the TMJ with the disc and mandibular condyle, biomedical engineers have made major strides over the last 20 years with developing new technologies based on biomaterials and/or cell therapies, with examples including preclinical models such as the minipig. Our team has been working toward a custom-made device comparable to those on the market today, but 3D printed from resorbable biomaterials. Outcomes in a pilot study with this new technology in a goat model have been encouraging, but have identified key challenges and next steps. In the future, engineering efforts for the disc and for the mandibular condyle share some similar challenges, yet remain distinct from each other, although perhaps these parallel strategies may be combined in the future.