[Permeability research of human temporomandibular joint disc and cartilage].

OBJECTIVE: To measure the permeability of human temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disc and cartilage to provide basic parameter for oral biomechanics and tissue engineering, and analyze its mechanisms of pathology and load-release. METHODS: Confined compression method was used to measure the permeability (k value) of four cadavers' TMJs, which were sampled into three parts: disc, condyle and glenoid fossa with different diameters (2 mm, 3 mm and 4 mm). All 128 samples were tested with correspond diameter indenter. RESULTS: Larger the sample diameter was, higher the k value became. The highest k value appeared in the disc while the lowest appeared in glenoid fossa. CONCLUSION: In normal condition, TMJ can suffer huge load by decreasing its permeability. Disc is weakest for the higher permeability, it's easy-damaged region is an initiated factor of TMJ disease.