[Construction and initial application of masticatory function rehabilitation program for patients after mandibular...

Area of Science:

• Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery
• Rehabilitation Medicine
• Health Psychology

Background:

• Mandibular reconstruction is crucial for restoring function after cancer or trauma.
• Masticatory dysfunction significantly impacts quality of life post-reconstruction.
• A structured rehabilitation program is needed to optimize outcomes.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop a comprehensive masticatory function rehabilitation program for patients post-mandibular reconstruction.
• To evaluate the preliminary application and effectiveness of this novel rehabilitation program.

Main Methods:

• A rehabilitation program was constructed using complex intervention and self-care theories, refined by expert consensus.
• 16 patients undergoing mandibular reconstruction were randomized into an experimental group (rehabilitation program) and a control group (usual care).
• Masticatory ability, Jaw Functional Limitation Scale (JFLS), and Sato questionnaire scores were assessed at baseline and at 1, 3, and 6 months post-intervention.

Main Results:

• The rehabilitation program incorporated self-regulation skills, self-efficacy, goal setting, and symptom management.
• The experimental group showed significantly improved masticatory ability at 6 months (P=0.001) and JFLS scores at 3 months (P<0.05) compared to the control group.
• No significant differences were observed in Sato questionnaire scores between groups at any time point.

Conclusions:

• The developed masticatory function rehabilitation program is comprehensive, scientific, and feasible.
• This program demonstrates potential to significantly improve masticatory function and patient quality of life after mandibular reconstruction.
• Further research with larger cohorts is warranted to confirm these preliminary findings.