TMJ Disc Regeneration

Patients opting for TMJ disc removal face issues due to the absence of FDA-approved replacements, leading to bone-to-bone contact and subsequent joint problems. Autografts, like dermis-fat grafts, typically resorb within a year. Our goal is a secure disc replacement alternative. Previous studies demonstrated rapid transformation of an acellular ECM scaffold into TMJ disc-like tissue in canine and porcine models. The canine model, chosen for its hinge- socket preventing implant migration, lacks human-like motions, and pig models have access issues. Introducing the goat model, with human-like access and motions, addresses these limitations. Proposed research focuses on the 12-month clinical endpoint, investigating the impact of a pathogenic TMJ environment on remodeling a porcine SIS scaffold into a neo-disc in goats. We aim to determine the long-term (6, 9, 12 months) functional remodeling of SIS scaffolds in the TMJ, hypothesizing higher tensile moduli than dermis-fat autografts, even in a pathological environment. Addressing a critical gap in understanding outcomes beyond 6 months is crucial for clinical translation. This work aims to provide a groundbreaking, safe TMJ disc treatment, preventing joint damage and revolutionizing surgical management for TMJ patients, with the potential to significantly improve outcomes.