J Appl Biomed 15:55-62, 2017 | DOI: 10.1016/j.jab.2016.10.002

Examining the temporo-mandibular joint from a biotensegrity perspective: A change in thinking

Graham Scarr^a,*, Helen Harrison^b

^a 60 Edward Street, Stapleford, Nottingham, UK

^b Granta Group, Newnham Road, Cambridge, CB3 9EY, UK

The temporo-mandibular joint is a characteristic feature of mammalian development, and essential to mastication and speech, yet it causes more problems than any other joint in the body and remains the least understood. While it is generally accepted that the normal joint is loaded under compression, the problems and controversies surrounding this view remain unresolved and the disparity in opinion over its treatment continues. Although difficulties in the acquisition of reliable information have undoubtedly contributed to this situation, it is now considered that deficits in neural control and shortcomings in the underlying biomechanical theory and analysis have also played a part, and that a re-assessment from a different perspective could resolve these.
Biotensegrity considers the TMJ from this position, where the mandible is suspended within a tensioned network that extends over a much wider anatomical field than is generally recognized and significant motion control is contained within the structure itself. It is an evolutionary-conserved arrangement that enables the system to rapidly respond to changing functional demands and provides a more complete model of joint physiology that can be used to guide further research.

Keywords: Biomechanics; Biotensegrity; Four-bar mechanism; Joint loading; Kinematic chain; Orthodontic; Temporomandibular; Tensegrity

Received: December 10, 2015; Revised: October 3, 2016; Accepted: October 6, 2016; Published: January 1, 2017  Show citation