Assessment of Masticatory Function Using Bite Force Measurements in Patients Treated for Mandibular Fractures

Abstract

Bite force measurements are excellent criteria for assessment of masticatory efficiency. The purpose of this study was to assess the effect of mandibular fractures on the bite forces of patients treated for such fractures. Patients who were surgically treated for isolated mandibular fractures in the Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery from January 2006 to December 2007 were included in the study. Patients were asked to bite on a bite force transducer on the first, fourth, sixth, and ninth postoperative weeks. The bite force values were compared with those of age, sex, and weight-matched controls. A total of 60 patients were included in the study. It was found that maximum bite forces in patients were significantly less than in controls for several weeks after surgery. After the ninth postoperative week, the maximum bite force measured < 65% the normal in patients with isolated angle fractures and > 80% the normal in patients with isolated parasymphysis fractures. The same values reduced to < 60% in patients with fractures of angle and parasymphysis and < 70% in patients with fractures of parasymphysis and condylar complex. An inverse relationship was found between the bite force values and the number of fractures of the mandible. We also found lower bite forces and longer period for normalization in patients who had fractures in those regions of the mandible which are more significantly associated with the masticatory apparatus for example angle or condyle of the mandible.

Is masticatory performance affected after a unilateral condylar fracture? A cross‐sectional study

“…The presence of other fractures appears to negatively impact masticatory performance. Sybil et al reported comparable results and found that there was a reverse relationship between the bite force values and the number of fractures of the mandible. This is a plausible outcome, given the simple fact that it is more difficult to recover from multiple fractures than from a single fracture and, moreover, multiple fractures carry the associated risk for more biomechanical complications.…”

“…In the literature, there are reports describing masticatory function as an outcome measure after the treatment of condylar fractures. These studies mostly focus on particular elements, eg, bite force, chewing cycles or (distribution of) masticatory muscle activity . Though, it is said that masticatory performance is the outcome of complex simultaneous interrelationships in which, among others, the bite force and the height of mastication cycles are confirmed as key predictors .…”

Comparitive assessment of bite forces in subjects treated for anterior mandibular fractures with 3-dimensional plates and standard miniplates

“…9 Thus, when used in patients treated surgically for mandibular fractures, records of maximum occlusal forces act as excellent assessment criteria for restoration of skeletal architecture and repair and healing of masticatory soft tissues. 4 Farmand et al in 1992 developed the concept of 3D miniplates. 6 Their shape is based on the principle of the quadrangle as a geometrically stable configuration for support.…”

“…Thus, when used in patients treated surgically for mandibular fractures, records of maximum occlusal forces act as excellent assessment criteria for restoration of skeletal architecture and repair and healing of masticatory soft tissues. 4 There is a paradigm shift in the treatment of mandibular fractures, from the historical maxillomandibular fixation to the recent internal fixation systems. Of these Miniplates and reconstruction plates are commonly used to treat simple and comminuted fractures of mandible.…”

Comparison of Bite Force Recovery Following Treatment of Mandibular Angle Fracture Using One and Two Miniplates

“…Fractures of the mandible not only cause a change in the skeletal architecture but also lead to changes in the other components of the masticatory apparatus in the form of masticatory muscle tear or injury and neurovascular injuries. Surgical treatment of mandibular fractures aims at restoration of skeletal form of the mandible with a hope that normal function and esthetics would be restored (11).…”