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Temporomandibular Joint Disc Replacement: Biomechanical Characterization and Novel Implant Assessment

Award Number: R01DE035875
ORGANIZATION: NATIONAL INSTITUTE OF DENTAL AND CRANIOFACIAL RESEARCH
OPDIV: NIH
AWARD CLASS: DISCRETIONARY
AWARD ACTIVITY TYPE: SCIENTIFIC/HEALTH RESEARCH (INCLUDES SURVEYS)
PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE START DATE: 06/18/2026
PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE END DATE: 03/31/2029

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Temporomandibular Joint Disc Replacement: Biomechanical Characterization and Novel Implant Assessment - 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.


Issue Date FY	Funding FY	Legal Entity Name	Legal Entity Address	Legal Entity City	Legal Entity State	Legal Entity Zip Code	Legal Entity COUNTY	Legal Entity COUNTRY	Assistance Listing	Award Code	Budget Year	Action Date	Action Type	Action Amount

Issue Date FY: 2026 ( Subtotal = $659,747 )
2026	2026	COLORADO STATE UNIVERSITY	601 S HOWES ST	FORT COLLINS	CO	80521	LARIMER	USA	Oral Diseases and Disorders Research	000	1	6/18/2026	NEW	$659,747
														Subtotal = $659,747

Grand Total All Awards = $659,747

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Temporomandibular Joint Disc Replacement: Biomechanical Characterization and Novel Implant Assessment

Award Number: R01DE035875

ORGANIZATION: NATIONAL INSTITUTE OF DENTAL AND CRANIOFACIAL RESEARCH

OPDIV: NIH

AWARD CLASS: DISCRETIONARY

AWARD ACTIVITY TYPE: SCIENTIFIC/HEALTH RESEARCH (INCLUDES SURVEYS)

PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE START DATE: 06/18/2026

PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE END DATE: 03/31/2029

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