[Computer assisted chewing power in patients with segmental resection of the mandible].
BACKGROUND
Surgical treatment of tumors of the oral cavity often requires a segmental resection of the mandible. This always implies a considerable loss in function and aesthetics. The aim of the present study was to measure the chewing force obtained by patients after mandibular resection.


METHODS
In a group of 20 patients (twelve males, eight females, average age 59 years), chewing force were registered by means of a computerized measurement device. In 16 patients, the defect was bridged by a reconstruction plate, in three with an iliac bone graft stabilized by miniplates, and in one patient with only two miniplates.


RESULTS
The maximum value in the molar region was 186 N und the minimum was 28 N. The average bite force in the molar region reached 81.1 N (+/-46.1) with 42.9 N (+/-35.7) in the front region. The highest value was registered in a patient with an iliac bone graft without soft tissue defect. The lowest was found in patients with bony chin defects.


CONCLUSIONS
Based on these results, a reduction of 76% in the molar region and 59% in the incisor region was observed. These values might be helpful in providing a more realistic definition of the functional loadings found in patients after mandibular resection, which in turn may help in the development of new reconstruction devices.
Maurer
P
P
Klinik und Poliklinik für Mund-, Kiefer- und Plastische Gesichtschirurgie, Martin-Luther-Universität Halle-Wittenberg, Halle, Germany. peter.maurer@medizin.uni-halle.de
Pistner
H
H
Schubert
J
J
D001696:Biomechanical Phenomena; D001732:Bite Force; D001860:Bone Plates; D016025:Bone Transplantation; D002680:Chin / Q000601:surgery; D003936:Diagnosis, Computer-Assisted / Q000295:instrumentation*; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008334:Mandible / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000601:surgery*; D008339:Mandibular Neoplasms / Q000601:surgery*; D008409:Mastication / Q000502:physiology*; D008875:Middle Aged; D011183:Postoperative Complications / Q000503:physiopathology*; D013524:Surgical Flaps / Q000502:physiology; D016474:Weight-Bearing / Q000502:physiology