title: Electromyographic evaluation of a patient treated with extraoral traction: a case report.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  This work seeks to provide information on the utility of surface electromyography (SEMG) as an aid for diagnosing orthodontic conditions. Classic orthodontic monitoring by radiography, plaster models, cephalometry, and photography can be improved by using SEMG before and during treatment, to prevent clinical worsening and relapses.
  
  
  METHODS
  This paper presents the SEMG results for a 10-year-old female patient, orthodontically treated by extraoral traction (EOT). Significant muscular variations in the patient's EMG were observed as she changed different postures and as headgear device was used.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  SEMG should be performed prior to the orthodontic treatment to assess the neuromuscular patient's pattern, in order to prevent strain induced by extraoral forces. EMG can be a valid aid for evaluating the patient's neuromuscular condition before, during, and after orthodontic treatment.
authors.affiliation: Department of Life, Health and Environmental Sciences, Dental Clinic, University of L'Aquila, L'Aquila, Italy.
authors.forename: E
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Ortu
authors.affiliation: Department of Life, Health and Environmental Sciences, Dental Clinic, University of L'Aquila, L'Aquila, Italy.
authors.forename: M
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Lacarbonara
authors.affiliation: Department of Life, Health and Environmental Sciences, Dental Clinic, University of L'Aquila, L'Aquila, Italy.
authors.forename: R
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Cattaneo
authors.affiliation: Department of Life, Health and Environmental Sciences, Dental Clinic, University of L'Aquila, L'Aquila, Italy.
authors.forename: G
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Marzo
authors.affiliation: Department of Life, Health and Environmental Sciences, Dental Clinic, University of L'Aquila, L'Aquila, Italy.
authors.forename: R
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Gatto
authors.affiliation: Department of Life, Health and Environmental Sciences, Dental Clinic, University of L'Aquila, L'Aquila, Italy.
authors.forename: A
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Monaco
mesh_terms: D002648:Child; D004576:Electromyography; D005115:Extraoral Traction Appliances; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D009970:Orthodontics