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Mandibular excursions and maximum bite forces in patients with temporomandibular joint disorders
D P Sinn1, E A de Assis, G S Throckmorton
1Division of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas 75235-9109, USA.
Purpose:
This study evaluated mandibular motion and bite force in patients with temporomandibular joint disorders after joint surgery.
Patients And Methods:
Maximum voluntary mandibular motion, maximum excursion during mastication, and maximum bite force were examined in 25 female patients before temporomandibular joint surgery. Their pretreatment performance was compared with that at 6 weeks, 6 months, and 1 year after surgery, and with performance of 26 normal female volunteers.
Results:
Before surgery, all of the patients' movements and bite forces were smaller than those of controls. One year after surgery, maximum interincisal opening increased significantly, but lateral excursion and protrusion remained unchanged. Maximum bite forces increased significantly and nearly reached control levels.
Conclusions:
Patients with severe restriction in temporomandibular joint function exhibit general improvements in some mandibular movements and in maximum bite force after surgical treatment.