Changes in bite force and electromyographic activities of masticatory muscles in prognathic patients after orthognathic surgery
Dr. Firoozeie GH.,1 Dr. Golestaneh A.,2 Dr. Shirvani A.3 1 Assistant Professor, Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, School of Dentistry, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences. Isfahan, Iran. 2 Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeon, Private Practice. 3 Assistant Professor, Department of Orthodontics, School of Dentistry, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences. Isfahan, Iran. (Received 10 May, 2009 Accepted 22 Sep, 2009)
Abstract Background and Aim: The orthognathic surgery not only can alter facial appearance and occlusion, but also can affect the morphology, physiology, and biomechanics of craniofacial skeleton and the muscles of mastication. The purpose of this study was to investigate the changes in maximum bite force and electromyographic activity of masticatory muscles after sagital split ramus Lefort I osteotomy in patients with mandibular prognathism. Materials and Methods: A clinical trial was conducted on 14 patients with mandibular prognathism. Maximum bite force in 7 predefined points of dentition as well as electromyographic activity of masseter and temporalis muscles preoperatively, and at 3- and 6-month follow ups were measured in the patients. The analysis of variance for repeated measures and paired T-test served for analysis of longitudinal changes in maximum bite force and electromyographic activity of muscles. Results: Three months after surgery, both bite force and electrical activities of mandibular muscles of patients were significantly less than those of before surgery (P <0.05). Although all parameters were improved 6 months after surgery, maximum bite force in molar region did not reach the preoperative value. All other parameters at 6-month follow up increased by 10 to 15 percent compared to preoperative measurements. Conclusion: The findings of this study suggest that the maximum bite force and electrical activity of masticatory muscles in patients with mandibular prognathism may adapt to the new situation resulted from orthognathic surgery in six months after surgery yet their return to the preoperative measurements is possible. Key words: Bite Force - Electromyography - Prognathism - Masticatory Muscles. Corresponding Author: Dr. Golestaneh A., Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeon, Private Practice. e.mail: drgolestaneh@gmail.com |
