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J H Koolstra

Publications and source records attributed to J H Koolstra.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources
PubMed2006

Viscoelastic material model for the temporomandibular joint disc derived from dynamic shear tests or strain-relaxation tests.

Viscoelastic material models for the temporomandibular joint disc, based upon strain relaxation, were considered to underestimate energy absorption for loads with time constants beyond the relaxation time. Therefore, the applicability of a material model that takes the viscous behavior at a wide range of frequencies into account was assessed. To that purpose a non-linear multi-mode Maxwell model was tested in cyclic large-strain compression tests. Its material constants were approximated from dynamic small-strain shear deformation tests. The storage and loss moduli as obtained from a disc sample could be approximated with a four-mode Maxwell model. In simulated large-strain compression tests it behaved similarly as observed from the experimental tests. The underestimation of energy dissipation, as obtained from a single-mode Maxwell model was considerably reduced, especially for deformations with a higher strain rate. Furthermore, in contrast to the latter it was able to predict the increase of the stress amplitude with the compression frequency much better. In conclusion, the applied four-mode Maxwell model, based upon dynamic shear tests, was considered more suitable to predict higher frequency viscoelastic response, for instance during shock absorption, than a model based upon strain-relaxation.

Animals↗
PubMed2006

Prediction of volumetric strain in the human temporomandibular joint cartilage during jaw movement.

Human temporomandibular joint loading causes pressurization and flow of interstitial fluid in its cartilaginous structures. This largely determines its load-bearing and maintenance capacity. It was hypothesized that during cyclical jaw movements normal pressure distribution dynamics would enable fluid to reach all necessary cartilage regions. This was tested qualitatively by analysis of local volumetric strain dynamics during jaw open-close movements predicted by a dynamic model of the human masticatory system. Finite-element analysis was performed in separate regions of the articular cartilage layers and articular disc. Heterogeneous patterns of dilatation and compression were predicted. Compression was found to be more dominant during jaw closing than opening. The pressure gradient in the superior layer of the articular disc was more mediolaterally orientated than in its inferior layer. The findings suggest that, where necessary, regionally the cartilage can imbibe fluid to protect the subchondral bone from impact loads effectively. In the disc itself presumably all areas receive regular refreshment of interstitial fluid.

Cartilage, Articular↗
PubMed2005

Passive resistance increases differentially in various jaw displacement directions.

OBJECTIVES: In the present study, the passive resistance of the human jaw system was quantified in relation to the three-dimensional jaw displacement and the Posselt-envelope, using both in vivo measurements and computer simulation. METHODS: In eight subjects, the jaw was passively displaced with a step-wise increasing force in three orthogonal directions. Muscle relaxation was monitored using electromyography (EMG) with visual feedback. A biomechanical model of an average human system was used to examine the contributions of the jaw muscles. RESULTS: The largest excursion was found for the vertical direction. Protrusive and lateral directions were more restricted. In protrusive and lateral directions, the jaw could generally move beyond the Posselt-envelope. The stiffness of the jaw increased with proceeding jaw displacement in all directions. The stiffness was larger in the protrusive direction than in the vertical and lateral directions. The model's predictions of stiffness were comparable to the in vivo measurements. However, in protrusive direction, the maximum jaw displacement was larger than in vivo. The estimated passive muscle forces showed that vertical displacement was mainly restricted by the complete group of closing muscles, while protrusive and lateral jaw displacement was restricted by selective individual muscles. CONCLUSIONS: The human jaw system has larger motion range in the protrusive and lateral directions than can be exploited by active muscle use. Stiffness of jaw displacement is higher in the protrusive direction compared to the vertical and lateral directions.

Adult↗
PubMed2005

Fiber-type composition of the human jaw muscles--(part 1) origin and functional significance of fiber-type diversity.

This is the first of two articles on the fiber-type composition of the human jaw muscles. The present article discusses the origin of fiber-type composition and its consequences. This discussion is presented in the context of the requirements for functional performance and adaptation that are imposed upon the jaw muscles. The human masticatory system must perform a much larger variety of motor tasks than the average limb or trunk motor system. An important advantage of fiber-type diversity, as observed in the jaw muscles, is that it optimizes the required function while minimizing energy use. The capacity for adaptation is reflected by the large variability in fiber-type composition among muscle groups, individual muscles, and muscle regions. Adaptive changes are related, for example, to the amount of daily activation and/or stretch of fibers. Generally, the number of slow, fatigue-resistant fibers is relatively large in muscles and muscle regions that are subjected to considerable activity and/or stretch.

Adaptation, Physiological↗
PubMed2005

Fiber-type composition of the human jaw muscles--(part 2) role of hybrid fibers and factors responsible for inter-individual variation.

This is the second of two articles about fiber-type composition of the human jaw muscles. It reviews the functional relationship of hybrid fibers and the adaptive properties of jaw-muscle fibers. In addition, to explain inter-individual variation in fiber-type composition, we discuss these adaptive properties in relation to environmental stimuli or perturbations. The fiber-type composition of the human jaw muscles is very different from that of limb and trunk muscles. Apart from the presence of the usual type I, IIA, and IIX myosin heavy-chains (MyHC), human jaw-muscle fibers contain MyHCs that are typical for developing or cardiac muscle. In addition, much more frequently than in limb and trunk muscles, jaw-muscle fibers are hybrid, i.e., they contain more than one type of MyHC isoform. Since these fibers have contractile properties that differ from those of pure fibers, this relatively large quantity of hybrid fibers provides a mechanism that produces a very fine gradation of force and movement. The presence of hybrid fibers might also reflect the adaptive capacity of jaw-muscle fibers. The capacity for adaptation also explains the observed large inter-individual variability in fiber-type composition. Besides local influences, like the amount of muscle activation and/or stretch, more general influences, like aging and gender, also play a role in the composition of fiber types.

Adaptation, Physiological↗
PubMed2004

Combined finite-element and rigid-body analysis of human jaw joint dynamics.

The jaw joint plays a crucial role in human mastication. It acts as a guidance for jaw movements and as a fulcrum for force generation. The joint is subjected to loading which causes tensions and deformations in its cartilaginous structures. These are assumed to be a major determinant for development, maintenance and also degeneration of the joint. To analyze the distribution of tensions and deformations in the cartilaginous structures of the jaw joint during jaw movement, a dynamical model of the human masticatory system has been constructed. Its movements are controlled by muscle activation. The articular cartilage layers and articular disc were included as finite-element (FE) models. As this combination of rigid-body and FE modeling had not been applied to musculoskeletal systems yet, its benefits and limitations were assessed by simulating both unloaded and loaded jaw movements. It was demonstrated that joint loads increase with muscle activation, irrespective of the external loads. With increasing joint load, the size of the stressed area of the articular surfaces was enlarged, whereas the peak stresses were much less affected. The results suggest that the articular disc enables distribution of local contact stresses over a much wider area of the very incongruent articular surfaces by transforming compressive principal stress into shear stress.

Bite Force↗
PubMed2004

Functional significance of the coupling between head and jaw movements.

When humans open or close the jaw they also move the head. Unintentionally, it rotates backwards when the jaw opens and returns upon jaw closure. We hypothesized that this mutual movement coupling is related to the muscles in the floor of the mouth. A biomechanical model was applied to comprehend the functional significance of this movement coupling. As the jaw opened the jaw opening muscles shortened and became less forceful. Meanwhile they had to stretch the jaw closing muscles. The simulations showed that a simultaneous head extension facilitated jaw opening. A possible functional significance for the coupling between head and jaw movements is that it can extend jaw gape. Head extension can contribute to a wider jaw gape by on the one hand a reduced shortening of the jaw opening muscles and on the other hand by a reorientation of these muscles so that they obtain a more favorable position for jaw opening.

Bite Force↗
PubMed2004

Accuracy of microCT in the quantitative determination of the degree and distribution of mineralization in developing bone.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the accuracy and applicability of a commercially available microCT system for comparative measurements of the degree and distribution of mineralization of developing bone. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Homogeneous K2HPO4 solutions with different concentrations (range 0-800 mg/cm3) were used to assess the accuracy of a microCT system equipped with a polychromatic X-ray source. Both high (45 kV) and low (70 kV) tube peak voltages were explored. The resulting attenuation was compared with calculated theoretical attenuation values to estimate the accuracy. As an example of its applicability, the method was used to assess changes in the degree of mineralization of various regions of the mandible from two pigs of different developmental age. RESULTS: On average, the estimated error of the measured linear attenuation was 10% or less. Accuracy was dependent on the average mineral concentration, the size of the sample, and the energy of the X-ray beam. The accuracy of the microCT system appeared sufficient to distinguish regional differences in the degree of mineralization within and between specimens of developing mandibular bone. Furthermore, the resolution of the system allowed identification of different degrees of mineralization within trabeculae. CONCLUSION: Accuracy of microCT with polychromatic radiation can be considered adequate for assessment of the degree of mineralization of developing bone. Therefore, this method provides a three-dimensional means by which to simultaneously investigate the bone structure as well as the degree of mineralization during development in a non-destructive manner and with high resolution.

Animals↗
PubMed2003

Human temporomandibular joint disc cartilage as a poroelastic material.

OBJECTIVE: The hypothesis was tested that a poroelastic material model is potentially able to describe the mechanical behavior of cartilaginous tissues in dynamic indentation experiments.Design. This hypothesis was tested by comparing the results from model predictions with results obtained from cyclic indentation experiments. BACKGROUND: The characteristics of cartilaginous tissues in general and of the temporomandibular joint disc in particular are generally identified by static confined or unconfined indentation experiments, while under physiologic circumstances these tissues are mostly loaded dynamically. METHODS: Dynamic indentation experiments were simulated using an axisymmetric finite element model. The results from the simulations were qualitatively compared with the experiments. RESULTS: The simulations showed several similarities with the experiments when the solid matrix was assumed to be hyperelastic. Both the maximum stress and the amount of energy dissipated decreased in each subsequent cycle. Furthermore, a similar dependency on the indentation frequency and amplitude was found. CONCLUSIONS: This qualitative study showed that a poroelastic material model can describe the dynamic behavior of the temporomandibular joint disc, provided that the solid matrix is modeled as hyperelastic. RELEVANCE: Temporomandibular disorders are presumably related to joint load distributions. Besides large static, dynamic loads are considered as a risk factor for cartilaginous wear. Dynamical loads, however, are also considered to stimulate the biosynthetic activity of cartilaginous tissues. Biomechanical analysis can be applied to estimate nonmeasurable joint loads. This enables to understand the underlying mechanisms of temporomandibular disorders, necessary to develop methods to prevent, diagnose and cure joint disorders. The present study shows that a poroelastic material model can be applied successfully to model the dynamical behavior of the temporomandibular joint disc in such analyses.

Cartilage, Articular↗
PubMed2002

Dynamics of the human masticatory system.

In this review, the movement characteristics of the human masticatory system are discussed from a biomechanical perspective. The discussion is based upon the three fundamental laws of mechanics applied to the various anatomical structures that are part of the masticatory system. An analysis of the forces and torques applied to the mandible by muscles, joints, articular capsules, and teeth is used to assess the determinants of jaw movement. The principle of relating the interplay of forces to the center of gravity of the lower jaw, in contrast to a hinge axis near its joints, is introduced. It is evident that the muscles are the dominant determinants of jaw movement. The contributions of the individual muscles to jaw movements can be derived from the orientation of their lines of action with respect to the center of gravity of the lower jaw. They cause the jaw to accelerate with six degrees of freedom. The ratio between linear and angular accelerations is subtly dependent on the mass and moments of inertia of the jaw, and the structures that are more or less rigidly attached to it. The effects of articular forces must be taken into account, especially if the joints are loaded asymmetrically. The muscles not only move the jaw but also maintain articular stability during midline movements. Passive structures, such as the ligaments, become dominant only when the jaw reaches its movement boundaries. These ligaments are assumed to prevent joint dislocation during non-midline movements.

Bite Force↗
PubMed2001

A method to predict muscle control in the kinematically and mechanically indeterminate human masticatory system.

A method is proposed to generate muscle activation patterns for goal-directed movements of the human masticatory system. This system is special because apart from a larger amount of muscles than degrees of freedom its joints do not restrict its movements a priori. Therefore, each muscle is able to influence all six degrees of freedom which makes the system kinematically and mechanically indeterminate. Furthermore, its working space is principally determined by the dynamical properties of its muscles and not by passive constraints. The presented method determines the contribution of each degree of freedom to a movement of a reference point on the mandible. It avails of straightforward mathematical techniques like Linear Programming. It does not require a separate trajectory planning step. It was applied in a six degrees of freedom dynamical mathematical model of the human masticatory system. This model which was based upon rigid-body dynamics incorporating skull morphology and muscle architecture including dynamical properties. Movements were exclusively defined by a goal position of the mandibular reference point. The method proved to be robust in generating muscle activation patterns for both feasible and infeasible movement tasks. Generally, they were accomplished faster than habitually observed. If the task was infeasible the movement stopped at the outer boundary of the working space at the side of the unreachable goal. The method, therefore, enables to explore the working space of the mandible and the factors that are relevant for its boundaries.

Biomechanical Phenomena↗
PubMed2001

Dynamic properties of the human temporomandibular joint disc.

The cartilaginous intra-articular disc of the human temporomandibular joint shows clear anteroposterior variations in its morphology. However, anteroposterior variations in its tissue behavior have not been investigated thoroughly. To test the hypothesis that the mechanical properties of fresh human temporomandibular joint discs vary in anteroposterior direction, we performed dynamic indentation tests at three anteroposteriorly different locations. The disc showed strong viscoelastic behavior dependent on the amplitude and frequency of the indentation, the location, and time. The resistance against deformations and the shock absorbing capabilities were larger in the intermediate zone than in regions located more anteriorly and posteriorly. Because several studies have predicted that the intermediate zone is the predominantly loaded region of the disc, it can be concluded that the topological variations in its tissue behavior enable the disc to combine the functions of load distribution and shock absorption effectively.

Aged↗
PubMed2001

The three-dimensional active envelope of jaw border movement and its determinants.

The sagittal and frontal active envelope of border movement is applied regularly as a clinical tool in functional examinations of the human masticatory system. In contrast, the three-dimensional movement area has hardly been examined. Furthermore, the determinants of this area are not established unambiguously. In the present study, the three-dimensional envelope of incisor movement was predicted with a three-dimensional mathematical model of the human masticatory system, which included the morphology of the system and the fine architecture of its muscles. With this model, the influence of the temporomandibular ligaments and the passive muscle tensions on the envelope were estimated. The predicted three-dimensional active envelope of border movements was limited in horizontal directions, predominantly by the temporomandibular ligaments. The passive tensions of the masticatory muscles influenced, although marginally, its vertical extension. It appeared unlikely that, in a normal situation, active muscle tensions (casu quo muscle reflexes) contribute to the shape of the envelope.

Computer Simulation↗
PubMed2001

Three-dimensional finite element analysis of the cartilaginous structures in the human temporomandibular joint.

While the movability of the human temporomandibular joint is great, the strains and stresses in the cartilaginous structures might largely depend on the position of the mandible with respect to the skull. This hypothesis was investigated by means of static three-dimensional finite element simulations involving different habitual condylar positions. Furthermore, the influence of several model parameters was examined by sensitivity analyses. The results indicated that the disc moved together with the condyle in the anterior direction without the presence of ligaments and the lateral pterygoid muscle. By adapting its shape to the changing geometry of the articular surfaces, the disc prevented small contact areas and thus local peak loading. In a jaw-closed configuration, the influence of 30 degrees variations of the loading direction was negligible. The load distribution capability of the disc appeared to be proportional to its elasticity and was enhanced by the fibrocartilage layers on the articular surfaces.

Aged↗
PubMed2000

Three-dimensional finite element analysis of the human temporomandibular joint disc.

A three-dimensional finite element model of the articular disc of the human temporomandibular joint has been developed. The geometry of the articular cartilage and articular disc surfaces in the joint was measured using a magnetic tracking device. First, polynomial functions were fitted through the coordinates of these scattered measurements. Next, the polynomial description was transformed into a triangulated description to allow application of an automatic mesher. Finally, a finite element mesh of the articular disc was created by filling the geometry with tetrahedral elements. The articulating surfaces of the mandible and skull were modeled by quadrilateral patches. The finite element mesh and the patches were combined to create a three-dimensional model in which unrestricted sliding of the disc between the articulating surfaces was allowed. Simulation of statical joint loading at the closed jaw position predicted that the stress and strain distributions were located primarily in the intermediate zone of the articular disc with the highest values in the lateral part. Furthermore, it was predicted that considerable deformations occurred for relatively small joint loads and that relatively large variations in the direction of joint loading had little influence on the distribution of the deformations.

Aged↗
PubMed1999

Three-dimensional dynamical capabilities of the human masticatory muscles.

Many habitual human jaw movements are non-symmetrical. Generally, it is observed that when the lower incisors move to one side the contralateral condyle moves forwards onto the articular eminence, whereas the ipsilateral condyle stays in the mandibular fossa, moving slightly to the ipsilateral side. These jaw movements are the result of contractions of active masticatory muscles and guided by the temporomandibular joints, their ligaments and passive elastic properties of the muscles. It is not known whether the movements are primarily dependent on passive guidance, active muscle control or both. Therefore, the objective of this study was to analyse the interplay between these factors during non-symmetrical jaw movements. A six-degrees-of-freedom dynamical biomechanical model of the human masticatory system was used. The movements were not restricted to a priori defined joint axes. Jaw movement simulations were performed by unilateral activity of the muscles. The ligaments or the passive elastic properties of the muscles could be removed during these simulations. Laterodeviations conform to naturally observed ones could be generated by unilateral muscle contractions. The movement of the lower incisors was hardly affected by the absence of passive elastic muscle properties or temporomandibular ligaments. The latter, however, influenced the movement of the condyles. The movements could be understood by analysing the combination of forces and torques with respect to the centre of gravity of the lower jaw. In addition, the loading of the condyles appeared to be an important determinant for the movement. This analysis emphasizes that the movements of the jaw are primarily dependent on the orientation of the contributing muscles with respect to this centre of gravity and not on the temporomandibular ligaments or passive elastic muscle properties.

Biomechanical Phenomena↗