Effect of surgical treatment of mandibular fracture: electromyographic analysis, bite force, and mandibular mobility

This study aimed to examine individuals undergoing surgery for the treatment of the fractured mandibular angle, using bite force, mandibular mobility, and electromyographic (EMG) analysis in many different clinical conditions, after 2 months postoperatively. Bite force was recorded with a digital dynamometer, model IDDK. The EMG activity (Myosystem-Br1) included the analysis of the masseter and temporal muscles. Mandibular mobility was measured using a digital pachymeter. The subjects were divided into 3 groups: G1, mandibular angle fracture (n = 7); G2, condylar process fracture (n = 5); and G3, control (n = 12). Data were tabulated and submitted to statistical analysis using the repeated-measure test carried out over time and the Student's t-test (P < 0.05), using the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences software, version 19 (SPSS Inc, Chicago, IL). G1 and G2 had an increase in bite force. In G1, there was a regular decrease in the EMG activity in the second postoperative month. G2 presented an irregular pattern in EMG data during the period tested. Regarding the mandibular mobility, both groups obtained amplitude of all mandibular movements with a high percentage, when compared with control. A good functional recovery was achieved by the individuals who had a mandible angle fracture or condylar process fracture, after 2 postoperative months.