Comparison of temporomandibular joint disc, meniscus, and intervertebral disc in fundamental characteristics and tissue engineering

Abstract

The temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disc, meniscus and intervertebral disc (IVD) are three fibrocartilage discs, which play critical roles in our daily life. Their degeneration contributes to diseases such as TMJ disorders, osteoarthritis and degenerative disc disease, affecting patients' quality of life and causing substantial morbidity and mortality. Interestingly, similar in some aspects of fundamental characteristics, they exhibit differences in other aspects such as biomechanical properties. Highlighting these similarities and differences can not only benefit a comprehensive understanding of them and their pathology but also assist in future research of tissue engineering. Likewise, comparing their tissue engineering in cell sources, scaffold and stimuli can guide imitation and improvement of their engineered discs. However, the anatomical structure, function, and biomechanical characteristics of the IVD, TMJ, and Meniscus have not been compared in any meaningful depth needed to advance current tissue engineering research on these joints, resulting in incomplete understanding of them and their pathology and ultimately limiting future research of tissue engineering. This review, for the first time, comprehensively compares three fibrocartilage discs in those aspects to cast light on their similarities and differences.

Bioprinting of gelatin-based materials for orthopedic application

“…As a result, any materials intended for articular cartilage regeneration via the bio-printing method should possess comparable attributes. Furthermore, the intervertebral disc (IVD) structure is more complicated than the articular cartilage structure ( Crump et al, 2023 ; She et al, 2023 ). The IVD annulus pulposus concentric fibrous layers encircled the nucleus pulposus, which carries the axial compressive loads.…”

Advances in 3D printing techniques for cartilage regeneration of temporomandibular joint disc and mandibular condyle

“…(C) Schematic diagram showing the arrangement of the collagen fibers in TMJ disc (top view). Reproduced with permission from She Y, Tang S, Zhu Z, et al ., J Biomed Mater Res B Appl Biomater , 111: 717–29 [ 96 ] . (D) Schematic representation of the gradient structure of the mandibular condylar fibrocartilage.…”

“…Considering knee tissue engineering as an important reference, several approaches and suggestions have been raised to promote TMJ tissue engineering, such as increasing the amount of rigorous TMJ research, strengthening surgical training opportunities and research grants for TMJ physicians and researchers, holding large-scale interdisciplinary conferences on TMJ, establishing clear indications and industry guidance for TMJ tissue-engineered products, and so on [ 95 ] . On the other hand, the anatomical structures, functions, and biomechanical properties of the TMJ disc, meniscus, and intervertebral disc have been compared in a recent review, suggesting that their similarities may guide the imitation and improvement of TMJ tissue-engineered products in seed cells, scaffold materials, and BFs [ 96 ] . In general, there is an urgent need for increased interdisciplinary collaboration, societal support, and financial investment in TMJ tissue engineering.…”

Global trends in disc degeneration and degenerative disc disease: a bibliometric and visualization study

“…At the same time, we also listed the authors of more published studies in this area, indicating that we can closely follow these authors for further research to obtain the latest advances in disc degeneration and degenerative disc disease. intervertebral disc degeneration and degenerative intervertebral disc disease as well as tissue Published by Francis Academic Press, UK -18-engineering research will receive more attention and become a hot spot in the future [29,30].…”