Date of Award

2010

Degree Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Master of Science

Program

Kinesiology

Supervisor

Dr. James P. Dickey

Second Advisor

Dr. Thomas R. Jenkyn

Abstract

Temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders are generally associated with minor symptoms but can be debilitating. Past TMJ implants have not been clinically successful. The objective of this study was to perform preliminary wear testing on the (4ibio) TMJ implant and report damage type, percent surface damage and surface roughness. Six implants were tested, in vitro, for 7 hours using a swine model. A custom-designed mastication jig applied normal chewing movements to the TMJ at a frequency of 1 Hz. Implants were examined for damage using macro photos and profilometry. Five implants showed denting and scratching, while micro fractures and crack propagation occurred to two and three implants, respectively. The implants had a median surface damage of 1.3%. The normalized median surface roughness value was 351.3nm. This project gained insight into this novel implant’s weaknesses (forming, fit, fixation band and crack propagation). Resolving these problems advanced the implant from its original design.

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