An Option for Temporomandibular Joint Cartilage Defects
Temporomandibular Dysfunction (TMD) can affect the bone, muscle, and connective tissues of the temporomandibular joint (TMJ), often leading to pain, limited mobility, and difficulty with normal jaw function. This study focused on patients with intraarticular cartilage defects, a subtype commonly associated with wear-related degeneration or previous trauma.
Study Overview
This observational case series followed five refractory TMD patients (ages 16–81) treated at the Pain and Sleep Therapy Center. Each patient presented with articular cartilage damage and received a single Wharton’s Jelly (WJ) tissue allograft application alongside standard care. Progress was evaluated over 90 days through CBCT imaging, patient-reported pain scores, and range of motion assessments.
Results
No adverse events occurred. Patients reported 50%–100% improvement in the scales used, with two showing measurable CBCT structural changes. All patients demonstrated improved jaw mobility across the 90-day period.
Clinical Significance
These early outcomes suggest that supplementing damaged intraarticular tissues with Wharton’s Jelly allografts may support improved comfort and functional movement in select patients with TMJ cartilage defects who have not responded to conservative care.
Future Research
The findings, approved by the Institutional Review Board (IRB) at the Institute of Regenerative and Cellular Medicine on March 29, 2023, serve as the basis for a larger prospective cohort study comparing WJ allografts with standard care in TMJ cases.
Read the Full Study
Access the complete publication below.