Analysis of finite element stress on the articular disc of jaw during function

기능중 두개골 내 관절원판의 유한요소 스트레스 분석

The purpose of this study is to to analyze the mechanical stress on articular disk of the dentated skull with the condition of unilateral posterior molar missing. For this study, the three dimensional finite element model of human skull scanned by means of computed tomography. (G.E. 8800 Quick, USA) was constructed. The finite element model of jaws is composed of 98,394 elements and 38,321 nodes, and it consists of articular disc, maxilla, mandible, teeth, periodontal ligament and cranium. Boundary condition included rigid restraints at the first molar and endosteal cortical surfaces of the insertion points of temporal bone. The data derived from Nelson's study were used for the loading conditions of mandible during clenchings and for maxilla, new loading and constraint conditions were applied. A clenching task during intercuspal position was modeled to the three dimensional finite element model. The stress level and displacement of articualr disc on the model with unilateral posterior molar missing under bilateral clenching task can be analyzed. During bilateral clenchings, the compressive stress level and diplacement of the articular disk on the side of unilateral posterior molar missing is greater than that on the case with full dentition, whereas a higher stress was found on the disk on the balancing side of the full dentition. Although this kind of study is not enough to explain the role of occlusion as an etiologic factor of TMD, there may be a possibiliy that the condition of posterior molar missings may contribute in part to the TMJ biomechanics.