OBJECTIVETo measure the permeability of human temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disc and cartilage to provide basic parameter for oral biomechanics and tissue engineering, and analyze its mechanisms of pathology and load-release.

METHODSConfined compression method was used to measure the permeability (k value) of four cadavers' TMJs, which were sampled into three parts: disc, condyle and glenoid fossa with different diameters (2 mm, 3 mm and 4 mm). All 128 samples were tested with correspond diameter indenter.

RESULTSLarger the sample diameter was, higher the k value became. The highest k value appeared in the disc while the lowest appeared in glenoid fossa.

CONCLUSIONIn normal condition, TMJ can suffer huge load by decreasing its permeability. Disc is weakest for the higher permeability, it's easy-damaged region is an initiated factor of TMJ disease.