Dynamic compressive properties of porcine temporomandibular joint disc.

This study aimed to evaluate the effect of the strain frequency and amplitude on the compressive properties of the porcine temporomandibular joint disc and to determine the time-dependent changes associated with energy dissipation. Seven discs were used for compressive cycle tests, including various frequencies and magnitudes of compressive strain. Each experiment consisted of 25 cycles of loading and unloading. Hysteresis and the instantaneous and steady moduli were calculated. All specimens showed a clear hysteresis and repeatable stress-strain relationships within 19 cycles. The hysteresis at the initial cycle ranged between 35% and 62%, and gradually decreased in subsequent cycles. The instantaneous modulus became larger when the strain frequency and the strain amplitude increased. The steady modulus was approximately one-third of the instantaneous one. It was concluded that the disc has an energy-dissipating function during dynamic compression.