# NIH grant: Temporomandibular Joint Disc Replacement: Biomechanical Characterization and Novel Implant Assessment (1R01DE035875-01) — retained record

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[original source ↗](https://reporter.nih.gov/project-details/1R01DE035875-01)

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NIH grant 1R01DE035875-01: Temporomandibular Joint Disc Replacement: Biomechanical Characterization and Novel Implant Assessment
Institute: {'code': 'DE', 'abbreviation': 'NIDCR', 'name': 'National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research', 'admin_org_id': '12500070', 'admin_funding_url': ''}. PI: Kevin  Labus. Award: $659747.
Start: 2026-06-18T00:00:00.
Project Summary/Abstract
 Temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders inflict approximately 5% to 12% of the population. For advanced
disorders of the articular TMJ disc, which typically do not respond to conservative treatments, disc resection is
the most common surgical intervention. However, the TMJ disc plays a critical role in distributing mechanical
stress and preventing wear to the articular surfaces of the joint. Thus, removing the disc can further disrupt
joint homeostasis, driving degeneration and the development of osteoarthritis, which can lead to highly
invasive and challenging surgical interventions such as joint reconstructions and total joint replacement.
Therefore, there is a critical need for disc replacements that can restore the homeostasis of the joint when disc
resection is required. Prior attempts at replacing the disc with alloplastic implants have led to deleterious
pathological changes related to wear debris, implant fragmentation, and adverse inflammatory responses.
Therefore, it is crucial to consider wear, mechanical strength, and biocompatibility of disc replacement
materials in the context of long-term cyclic loading in the TMJ. Accordingly, the objective of this proposal is
to create an artificial TMJ disc that replaces the mechanical function of the native disc and prevents
subsequent degeneration of the joint. Towards this goal, the proposed research will characterize the
mechanical loading environment of the TMJ in order to determine the mechanical criteria of a TMJ disc
replacement needed to minimize internal stress in the joint (Specific Aim 1). Further, non-resorbable
composite hydrogels will be fabricated using biocompatible materials, refined to exhibit biomimetic
properties, and molded into a TMJ disc implant. Rigorous mechanical evaluations will determine material
durability and suitability as a TMJ disc replacement (Specific Aim 2). Finally, a large animal study will be
utilized to evaluate the safety and efficacy of the developed TMJ disc replacement (Specific Aim 3).
Successful completion of the proposed work would represent a paradigm shift in the treatment of TMJ disc
disorders that can mitigate further joint degeneration and prevent more invasive and complicated surgeries.
```



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