TEMPOROMANDIBULAR JOINT REPLACEMENT- A RATIONALE FOR USE OF DIFFERENT GRADES OF PLASTICS IN TMJ PROSTHESIS

Bio Medical, Bio Engineering, TMJ, Prosthesis, Materials Science, Plastics, Mechanical Engineering

Temporomandibular joint (TMJ) connects the mandible or the lower jaw to the skull and regulates the movement of the jaw. It is a bi-condylar joint in which the condyles, located at the two ends of the mandible, function at the same time. The TMJ is one of the most complex as well as most used joint in a human body. The important functions of the TMJ are mastication and speech. Temporomandibular disorder (TMD) is a generic term used for any problem concerning the jaw joint. Injury to the jaw, temporomandibular joint, or muscles of the head and neck can cause TMD. The most common TMJ disorders are pain dysfunction syndrome, internal derangement, arthritis, and traumas. In TMJ implant there are replacements of two parts: 1. Fossa replacement and 2. Condyle replacement The TMJ implant fossa component is comprised of a fossa bearing fabricated from ultra-high molecular-weight polyethylene (ASTM F648) and a mesh backing fabricated from unalloyed titanium (ASTM F67). In this research work we are using four types of plastics such as Polypropylene (PP), High density poly ethylene (HDPE), Ultra high molecular weight polyethylene and Nylon. We will compare these four plastics that are these plastics also suitable for fossa material or not. By comparing their surface finish in graph, we can conclude that which of these plastics is best for fossa replacement. It can form the basis of a future research for designing a new age TMJ prosthesis for people suffering with TMJ diseases and in need for surgery.

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