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Is masticatory performance affected after a unilateral condylar fracture? A cross‐sectional study
Author(s) -
Rozeboom Antoinette,
Speksnijder Caroline,
Dubois Leander,
Lobbezoo Frank,
Koutris Michail,
Lange Jan
Publication year - 2018
Publication title -
journal of oral rehabilitation
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.991
H-Index - 93
eISSN - 1365-2842
pISSN - 0305-182X
DOI - 10.1111/joor.12688
Subject(s) - masticatory force , medicine , condyle , occlusion , dentistry , temporomandibular joint , cross sectional study , orthodontics , mandibular fracture , surgery , pathology
Summary Background Mandibular fractures, especially condylar fractures, are one of the most common facial fractures. Trauma to this region could possibly compromise masticatory performance, which is a vital function for humans. Objective To objectively determine masticatory performance (Mixing Ability Test; MAT ) in patients treated for a unilateral condylar fracture, thereby comparing patients in open and closed treatment groups, and assessing whether there is a positive relationship between this performance and subjective mandibular function (Mandibular Functional Impairment Questionnaire; MFIQ ). Methods Fifty‐eight patients were enrolled in a cross‐sectional study and examined on an additional appointment at least 1 year after trauma, during which the patients performed the MAT and completed the MFIQ . The Spearman test was used to assess the correlation between the Mixing Ability Index ( MAI ) and the MFIQ score. A linear regression was used to explore the effects of different factors on the MAI . Results The correlation between objective masticatory performance and the subjective mandibular function was positive ( r = 0.250; P = 0.033). Better masticatory performance was observed in patients who were male, received physiotherapy, had no other mandibular fractures and/or had satisfactory self‐perceived occlusion. No significant difference in the MAI was found between the open and closed treatment groups. Conclusion Independent of the chosen treatment, at least 1 year after treatment, individuals who experienced a unilateral fracture of the mandibular condyle exhibit masticatory capacity comparable with that of individuals who have not suffered such injuries.