The National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research (NIDCR) awarded a $337,875 Project Grant (CFDA 93.121 - Oral Diseases and Disorders Research) to the University of Pittsburgh to investigate the long-term functional remodeling of porcine small intestinal submucosa (SIS) scaffolds as a safe, alternative treatment for temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disc regeneration. The 4-year research project aims to determine if the SIS scaffolds can be transformed into a neo-TMJ disc with higher tensile properties than traditional dermis-fat autografts, even in a pathogenic TMJ environment, using a goat model that provides human-like access and joint motions. This work seeks to address a critical research gap in understanding TMJ disc replacement outcomes beyond 6 months, which is crucial for clinical translation and improving surgical management for TMJ patients.
Generated 3/18/25, 5:05 AM