Moving Temporomandibular Joint Research into the 21st Century
Guest Editors: Arthur W. English, Atlanta, Ga.; Christian S. Stohler, Ann Arbor, Mich.

Paper

Engineered Cartilage, Bone, Joints, and Menisci
Potential for Temporomandibular Joint Reconstruction
Julie Glowacki

Orthopedic Research, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, and Skeletal Biology Research Center, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard School of Dental Medicine, Boston, Mass., USA

Address of Corresponding Author

Cells Tissues Organs 2001;169:302-308 (DOI: 10.1159/000047895)

  Key Words

• Tissue engineering
• Temporomandibular joint
• Meniscus
• Cartilage
• Bone

  Abstract

Reconstruction of many musculoskeletal structures can be accomplished by bone grafting and implantation of prostheses. Alternate approaches are needed, however, for repair of complex structures such as articular cartilage surfaces and the temporomandibular meniscus and joint. Tissue engineering, either cell-free or cell-based, offers promise because of recent advances in materials research and in our knowledge of the cellular and molecular mechanisms of tissue repair. There are three considerations in designing a construct for engineered tissue: the source of cells, if any; the nature of the carrier or scaffold; and use, if any, of genes, factors, or adjuvants. Autogenous cells, often expanded in vitro, have been useful for cartilage tissue engineering. Precursor/progenitor cells are advantageous for bone tissue. There are many natural and synthetic resorbable materials with good biocompatibility and tissue compatibility that can be modified to have the porosity and mechanical properties needed for specific applications. The scaffolds can also be modified to provide biological signals to augment repair and integration.

Copyright © 2001 S. Karger AG, Basel

  Author Contacts

Julie Glowacki, PhD
Orthopedic Surgery, Brigham and Women's Hospital
75 Francis Street
Boston, MA 02115 (USA)
Tel. +1 617 732 5397, Fax +1 617 732 6937

  Article Information

Number of Print Pages : 7
Number of Figures : 3, Number of Tables : 1, Number of References : 41