BACKGROUNDThe functional state of the masticatory system is best assessed by evaluating the bite force. The level of Maximum Bite Force (MBF) results from the combined action of the jaw elevator muscles; is modified by jaw biomechanics and reflex mechanisms. The measurement of bite force can provide useful data for the evaluation of jaw muscle function and activity. It is also an adjunctive value in assessing the performance of dentures or dental prosthesis. The bite force result depends on a number of factors, such as presence of pain and temporomandibular disorders, gender, age, craniofacial morphology and occlusal factors. In addition to these physiological factors, recording devices and techniques are important factors in bite force measurement. This article describes a device designed to measure patient jaw force that is accurate, simple and highly modular. We have vividly explained in detail about the development of a bite force device, Gnathodynamometer in this study. The device reported here represents the physiological use of a mechanical measuring device that has enhanced for human oral usage where it can be used to assess the complex function of human bite force and functional response of various cranio-mandibular structures associated with it.

Background: The fractures of the ramus of the mandible are generally negligibly displaced. This is because of the anatomical situation of the ramus between the masseter and the medial pterygoid muscle. The present study was conducted to assess ramus of mandible fractures in patients. Materials and Methods: Present study was carried out on 125 subjects of both genders with fractures of ramus of mandible. The reason of injury, pretreatment occlusion, treatment protocol (open or closed), period of MMF and post-treatment occlusion was documented. Results obtained were subjected to statistical analysis. Results: Out of 125 patients, 75 were males and 50 females. Prime reason of fracture of ramus was road traffic accident (RTA) in 87 cases, fall in 26 and assault in 12 cases. The difference was statistically significant with p value < 0.05. Open reduction with internal fixation treatment was given in 105 cases and closed treatment in 20 cases. Conclusion:This study revealed that fractures of ramus are not commonly seen. Open reduction and internal fixation of fracture of ramus warrants acceptable functional and anatomic reduction.

Background: Infected hardware is populated with bacterial colonies. The present study was conducted to determine hardware removal rate in maxillofacial surgery. Materials and Methods: This study was conducted on 580 patients of both genders treated by open reduction and internal fixation. Type of bone in which hardware was used and reason for hardware removal was assessed. Results: Out of 580 patients, males were 320 and females were 260. Hardware removal rate was in 11 out of 132 cases of maxilla, 24 out of 218 cases of mandible, 16 out of 125 cases of zygomatic, 10 out of 75 cases of nasal bone and 2 out of 30 cases of orbit. The difference was significant (P< 0.05). The most common cause of removal of hardware was infection in 20 cases, wound in 12, malunion in 11, pain and resorption in 6 each, non union in 5 and refracture in 2 cases. The difference was significant (P< 0.05). Table III shows that out of 410 titanium implants, 42 had failure and out of 170 stainless steel implants, 21 showed failures. Conclusion: Authors found that most common cause of removal of hardware was infection, wound, malunion, pain, resorption, non union and refracture.

Background: The introduction of bone plates as the implants for osteosynthesis has changed this facet of oral and maxillofacial surgery. The objective of this study was to evaluate the treatment outcome of fixation of mandibular fractures with Eccentric Dynamic Compression Plates (EDCP) with a follow up interval of 1 week, 3 weeks, 6 weeks and 3 months. Materials and Methods: Ten patients will be randomly selected and subjects underwent Open Reduction and Internal Fixation under General anesthesia/ Local anesthesia. Fixation will be done using 2.5 mm Titanium Eccentric Dynamic Compression Plates 2.5x 8.0mm Titanium screws through Intraoral/ Extraoral approach.Results: In our study the 2.5mm EDC plates had low morbidity and significantly lower infection rates. It was proved to be comparable to other plating systems. It was also easy to use alternative to the conventionally used miniplates, in that it provided absolute rigidity to the fractured segments. Conclusion:All the patients present in the study appreciated early recovery of normal jaw function, primary healing and good union at the fracture site with minimal weight loss due to early functional rehabilitation.

BACKGROUNDMastication is directly related with maximum bite force, which is nothing but maximum biting force of individual during chewing food and is influenced by many factors. The main objective of this study is to analyse maximum biting force of subjects in varying age groups.