Tribocorrosion and TMJ TJR devices

Abstract

This chapter discusses the role of tribocorrosion alloplastic total temporomandibular joint replacement (TMJ TJR). Tribocorrosion is a relatively new field of physical science research in which two degradation processes, mechanical wear and electrochemical responses to particular consequences of that wear, are studied. Understanding these processes is essential in preventing joint replacement device complications and failures. The fundamentals of tribocorrosion, general testing methodologies and testing protocols, and evidence for the involvement of tribocorrosion in TMJ TJR devices will be included as will results from a TMJ TJR device retrieval study.