Creating a new artificial disc for jaw joint replacement
Official title: A Novel Fiber Embedded Hydrogel Temporomandibular Joint Disc Replacement
Funded at Colorado State University · NIH-10893071 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is working on a new artificial disc to help people with serious jaw problems caused by damaged TMJ discs, aiming to improve jaw function and reduce the need for more surgeries.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Colorado State University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Fort Collins, United States) |
| Project start | September 1, 2023 |
| Project end | August 31, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2023 |
| Award (this year) | $513,750 |
| NIH project number | 1R56DE032760-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-10893071 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals with advanced temporomandibular joint disorders who have not found relief from conservative treatments.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with mild TMJ disorders or those who have not yet exhausted conservative treatment options may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on developing a novel artificial disc to replace damaged temporomandibular joint (TMJ) discs, which are crucial for jaw function. The project aims to address the limitations of current surgical interventions that often lead to further joint degeneration. By analyzing the mechanical stresses and biocompatibility of new materials, the researchers hope to create a disc that mimics the natural function of the TMJ disc, thereby preventing the need for more invasive surgeries. Patients with advanced TMJ disorders who do not respond to traditional treatments may benefit from this innovative approach.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could provide a more effective treatment option for patients suffering from TMJ disorders, potentially reducing the need for invasive surgeries.
How similar studies have gone: While there have been attempts at TMJ disc replacements, this approach is novel and aims to overcome previous challenges associated with artificial implants.
Where this research is happening
-
Colorado State University
Fort Collins, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Labus, Kevin — Colorado State University
- Study coordinator: Labus, Kevin
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
-
Executive Function Enhancement for Young Children with Down Syndrome
A caregiver-guided program for kids with Down syndrome aged up to 11 to strengthen their thinking skills during early childhood.
-
Center for Bat One Health: investigating bat health and spillover risk
A center in West Africa and the U.S. will study how bat biology and environmental stressors influence virus shedding and the chance of viruses jumping to people.
-
Center for Bat One Health Investigations and Outbreak Response
A national research center will study how bat stress from heat and human activity affects bat biology and viruses to understand spillover risks to people.
-
Center for Bat One Health Investigations, Research, and Outbreak Response
A center focused on how stressors like heat and human activity affect bats and the viruses they carry, to help prevent spillover to people.
-
Executive Function Support for Young Children with Down Syndrome
A caregiver-led program helps young children with Down syndrome build executive function skills during a 12-week period.
-
How malaria spreads and resists treatment in different parts of Burkina Faso
This project looks at how different mosquitoes, parasites, and human factors shape malaria risk across communities in Burkina Faso.
About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.