STUDY OBJECTIVE

To determine the types, nature, and degree of dynamic microcirculation equilibrium in a 3D volumetric region of the temporomandibular joint (TMJ) in individuals with physiological occlusion based on local blood pressure, perfusion index, and oxygen saturation (SpO₂) parameters.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The study included 21 volunteers (15 women, 6 men) aged 19—21 years, with no signs of occlusion pathology or TMJ disorders. The volume of the studied region was 8.000—12.000 mm³, corresponding to a sector centered on the mandibular condyle in active occlusion. Local hemodynamic balance was assessed using a novel method (Invention Application No. 2025120580/14) based on optical density gradient measurements in two compression ranges (110—30 and 30—0 mmHg) combined with perfusion index and SpO₂ registration. A total of 815 measurements were performed. Statistical analysis was conducted using descriptive statistics and the Mann—Whitney U test.

RESULTS

In all participants under physiological occlusion and without masticatory muscle tension, dynamic equilibrium of the TMJ microcirculatory network was established: the ratio of arterial to venous components was 1:1. The optical density gradient ratio G₁/G₂ ranged from 0.9 to 1.1, indicating physiological autoregulation of blood flow. No statistically significant differences were found between the right and left sides (p>0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

In physiological occlusion, the TMJ hemodynamic profile is characterized by stable dynamic microcirculatory equilibrium, which may serve as a reference norm for diagnosing functional joint disorders.