Knee orthopedics as a template for the temporomandibular joint

• Published in: Cell reports. Medicine 2021-05, Vol.2 (5), p.100241-100241, Article 100241
• Main Authors: Bielajew, Benjamin J., Donahue, Ryan P., Espinosa, M. Gabriela, Arzi, Boaz, Wang, Dean, Hatcher, David C., Paschos, Nikolaos K., Wong, Mark E.K., Hu, Jerry C., Athanasiou, Kyriacos A.
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: cartilage; Cartilage, Articular - pathology; Cartilage, Articular - surgery; Humans; knee joint; Knee Joint - pathology; Knee Joint - surgery; oral and maxillofacial surgery; orthopedic surgery; osteoarthritis; Osteoarthritis - pathology; Osteoarthritis - surgery; temporomandibular disorder; temporomandibular joint; Temporomandibular Joint - pathology; Temporomandibular Joint - surgery; Temporomandibular Joint Disc - pathology; Temporomandibular Joint Disc - surgery; Temporomandibular Joint Disorders - pathology; Temporomandibular Joint Disorders - surgery; tissue engineering; TMJ disc; translational medicine
• ISSN: 2666-3791; 2666-3791
• DOI: 10.1016/j.xcrm.2021.100241

Although the knee joint and temporomandibular joint (TMJ) experience similar incidence of cartilage ailments, the knee orthopedics field has greater funding and more effective end-stage treatment options. Translational research has resulted in the development of tissue-engineered products for knee cartilage repair, but the same is not true for TMJ cartilages. Here, we examine the anatomy and pathology of the joints, compare current treatments and products for cartilage afflictions, and explore ways to accelerate the TMJ field. We examine disparities, such as a 6-fold higher article count and 2,000-fold higher total joint replacement frequency in the knee compared to the TMJ, despite similarities in osteoarthritis incidence. Using knee orthopedics as a template, basic and translational research will drive the development and implementation of clinical products for the TMJ. With more funding opportunities, training programs, and federal guidance, millions of people afflicted with TMJ disorders could benefit from novel, life-changing therapeutics. [Display omitted] In this review, Bielajew et al. describe the stark quantitative differences in the knee orthopedics and temporomandibular joint (TMJ) fields, despite similarities in disease incidence. The authors call on researchers and clinicians to use knee orthopedics as a template to improve product development and end-stage outcomes for people with TMJ disorders.