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Updated: Aug 14, 2026
A Postoperative Evaluation Guideline for Computer-Assisted Reconstruction of the Mandible
Published on: January 28, 2020
[Computer assisted chewing power in patients with segmental resection of the mandible]
P Maurer1, H Pistner, J Schubert
1Klinik und Poliklinik für Mund-, Kiefer- und Plastische Gesichtschirurgie, Martin-Luther-Universität Halle-Wittenberg, Halle, Germany. peter.maurer@medizin.uni-halle.de
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.
Patients And 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.
Conclusion:
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.
