[Functional status of patients prior to and after orthognathic surgery]

The functional status of 12 patients was evaluated before and after orthognathic surgery for a malocclusion. The results of surgical intervention showed distinctive differences in the status of the temporomandibular joint and masticatory musculature. The number of tender muscles on palpation and the occurrence of temporomandibular joint sounds was reduced to approximately one third. However, the number of joints showing pain on palpation increased. Axiographical recordings of movement paths shawed normal values in 2 patients postoperatively. Chewing patterns were generally more harmonious, but the size of the chewing field was smaller.