PD Dr. Vera Colombo
Research Associate in Biomechanics of the Masticatory System
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Research Interests
Vera Colombo has been focusing her research interests on the temporomandibular joint (TMJ) as a mechanical system. During her master thesis she investigated the relationship between shape and loading patterns in TMJ during functional movements, by means of Dynamic Stereometry – a technique previously developed in our laboratory – that can animate subject-specific computer-reconstructed TMJ anatomies with their corresponding kinematics, acquired by motion tracking.
Since her PhD study, she has been working on computer controlled loading of live soft tissue by designing new functional testing methods for TMJ disc mechanobiology. Final goal of this research is to reproduce the dynamic compression patterns occurring in TMJ disc and analyze the biological reaction of live cartilage explants to this dynamic loading.
Furthermore, she is involved in several projects, including mechanical assessment of prosthetic abutments and orthodontic appliances as well as the study of functional anatomy of the masticatory system.
Selected publications
Colombo V, Cadová M, Gallo LM, Mechanical behavior of bovine nasal cartilage under static and dynamic loading. J Biomech. 2013 Sep 3; 46(13):2137-44.
Correro-Shahgaldian MR, Colombo V, Spencer ND, Weber FE, Gallo LM, Coupling plowing of cartilage explants with gene expression in models for synovial joints. J Biomech. 2011 Sep 2; 44(13):2472-6.
Colombo V, Correro MR, Riener R, Weber FE, Gallo LM, Design, construction and validation of a computer controlled system for functional loading of soft tissue. Med Eng Phys. 2011 Jul; 33(6):677-83.
Ettlin DA, Mang H, Colombo V, Palla S, Gallo LM, Stereometric assessment of TMJ space variation by occlusal splints. J Dent Res. 2008 Sep; 87(9):877-81.
Gallo LM, Gössi DB, Colombo V, Palla S, Relationship between kinematic center and TMJ anatomy and function. J Dent Res. 2008 Aug; 87(8):726-30.
Colombo V, Palla S, Gallo LM, Temporomandibular joint loading patterns related to joint morphology: a theoretical study, Cells Tissues Organs. 2008; 187(4):295-306.