Background: The pathogenesis of internal derangements and osteoarthritis of temporomandibular joint (TMJ) is closely related to the lubrication mechanisms of this joint. However, start-up friction coefficient of TMJ has been unclear. Objectives: To measure the start-up friction coefficient of TMJ, and to assess the reliability of the measurement system for the start-up friction coefficient of TMJ utilizing the robotics technology. Design: An experimental study in porcine TMJ in vitro. Method: A robotics arm was to give the compressive force and the sliding motion to the joint. Start-up friction coefficient was measured by a universal force sensor in 3 porcine TMJs. The Experimental conditions examined were: (1) intact joint surface; (2) after the lower joint surfaces were glued together by the bonding agent. Results: Start-up friction coefficient was higher in the adhesive joints of the lower cavity than in the healthy joints. Conclusion: This result show Disk plays an important role for the lubrication mechanisms of TMJ, and this system using the robotics technology is useful for the measurement of the start-up friction coefficient of TMJ. The present study was supported in part by a Grant-in-Aid for Exploratory Research (project No. 13877336), Japan Society for the Promotion of Science (JSPS).

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