Hemodynamic 3D profile of the temporomandibular joint region in physiological occlusion

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.