Related Experiment Videos
Masticatory function in hemimandibulectomy patients
M T Marunick1, B E Mathes, B B Klein
1Department of Otolaryngology, Wayne State University, Harper Hospital, Detroit, Michigan 48201.
Journal of Oral Rehabilitation
|May 1, 1992
Summary
Surgical removal of parts of the mandible can impair chewing function. Prosthetic rehabilitation may help restore some masticatory performance in patients after hemimandibular resection.
Area of Science:
- Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery
- Biomedical Engineering
- Reconstructive Dentistry
Background:
- Surgical resection of the mandible, often for squamous cell carcinoma, can significantly impact masticatory structures.
- Understanding the functional consequences of mandibular defects is crucial for patient rehabilitation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the effect of hemimandibular resection on masticatory function.
- To assess the efficacy of prosthetic rehabilitation in improving masticatory performance.
Main Methods:
- Five patients undergoing hemimandibular resection for cancer were studied.
- Masticatory function was assessed using a 0.5-g corn chip test food and sieve analysis.
- Tests were performed pre-surgery, post-surgery, and post-prosthetic rehabilitation, with 10 controls for comparison.
Main Results:
- Post-surgery, reduced masticatory function was observed, indicated by increased test duration and strokes needed for swallowing.
- The extent of mandibular resection correlated with decreased masticatory performance.
- Prosthetic rehabilitation showed improvement in masticatory function for some patients.
Conclusions:
- Hemimandibular resection negatively affects masticatory function.
- Prosthetic rehabilitation can partially restore chewing ability.
- Loss of mandibular continuity is not an absolute predictor of impaired mastication.