Evaluation of mandibular movements in the horizontal plane made by partial mandibulectomy patients--a pilot study

The purpose of this pilot study of the partial mandibulectomy patient was to make ttracings of their mandibular movement in a horizontal plane of orientation in the hope that the results would provide information regarding the prosthetic rehabilitation of these patients. The anterior part of a pantograph recording unit was used in making the tracings. The results of the study indicate that racings on partial mandibulectomy patients are diagnostic in nature regardless of the range and extent of movement seen. As has been stated by other authors who have studied this type of patient, more clinical research should be undertaken before a full understanding of the ramifications of prosthetic rehabilitation of the partial mandibulectomy patient can be realized.