A Computational Framework for Simulating Patient-Specific TMJ Biomechanics Using a Combined Multibody Dynamics and Finite Element Approach

Abstract

Purpose Biomechanical parameters of the temporomandibular joint (TMJ), such as joint contact forces and intra-articular stresses, are suggested to contribute to the development of temporomandibular joint disorders, but are impractical to measure. In this study, we present a computational framework for evaluating these parameters by integrating a function assessment system and a patient-specific modeling approach. Methods The pipeline consists of acquiring patients' functional and morphological data and developing combined multibody dynamics and finite-element (MBD-FE) models for simulating their specific biting tasks. We demonstrate the approach in a pre-/post-orthognathic surgery scenario and present the measured and simulated outputs. Results In a three-patient cohort of one Class I control and two surgical patients (one Class II and one Class III patient), surgery was accompanied by functional changes such as increased bite force capacity and shifts in muscle-usage during unilateral first premolar clenching that brought the surgical cases closer to the control case. Also, morphological measurements showed postoperative adaptations in condylar size and joint space. Simulations demonstrated that contralateral joint forces exceeded ipsilateral forces during unilateral biting and predicted regions of concentrated disc stress that coincided with regions of reduced joint gap and poorer articular congruency, highlighting how morphology-function interactions shape local mechanics. Conclusion By unifying individualized functional inputs and subject-specific geometries, the framework provides a practical basis for patient-tailored assessment of biomechanical parameters and decision support in TMJ care.

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