Experimental and numerical study of the biomechanics of a human joint

This paper presents a 3D approach built to quantify and to analyze the biomechanical characteristics of the healthy human Temporomandibular Joint (TMJ). The study has been realized in the frame of the preliminary design phase of a complete and innovative TMJ prosthesis. Coupling experimental characterization results and numerical modeling allows to produce biomechanical data which are useful for both, clinical practice and prosthesis design. The numerical model was validated using a testing device designed and manufactured to load a mandibule. The model was then used to determine the critical strains in the meniscus and in the ramus of the mandible bone especially in the area of a prosthesis connection. The results of the strain distribution allow understanding the load transfer in the mandibular condyle and give information to designing an innovative TMJ prosthesis.