Evaluation of masticatory function in the pediatric and adult populations with Treacher Collins syndrome

Treacher Collins Syndrome (TCS) is a congenital craniofacial malformation, characterized by zygomatic and mandibular hypoplasia, that may lead to impaired masticatory function.

To characterize the masticatory function of children and adults with TCS in comparison to a control group (CON).

Fifty-four participants were divided into two age- and sex-matched groups: 1) CON: 27 non-syndromic participants (13 children and 14 adults); and 2) TCS: 27 participants with TCS (13 children and 14 adults). Masticatory function was assessed using two tests: 1) Bite Force (BF): using a gnathodynamometer; and 2) Granulometry (GM): size of food particles after 20 masticatory cycles of standardized samples.

The mean BF in children with TCS (108.87 ± 48.64 N) was significantly lower than that observed in the CON group (343.97 ± 156.06 N). Similarly, among adults, the BF in the TCS group (233.28 ± 136.83 N) was significantly lower than that of the CON group (412.07 ± 227.62 N). Within the TCS group, children exhibited significantly lower BF than adults, a pattern not observed in the CON group. Children with TCS presented significantly larger particle sizes (0.83 ± 0.86 mm²) than controls (0.26 ± 0.13 mm²). Among adults, no significant differences were observed between groups. Comparisons between age groups showed that children with TCS produced significantly larger particles than adults with TCS.

Masticatory function is impaired in participants with TCS, particularly in the pediatric population. The findings underscore the importance of ongoing multidisciplinary clinical and therapeutic care for this population.