Abstract

Bite force is created by the force of adjacent teeth accompanied with tension of masticatory muscle. The bite force value is greater in male than in female and ha maximum value at first molar. Masseter muscle is associated with bite force and during muscle contraction the electric signal is expressed in EMG form. The aim of the study is to assess recovery time for masseter muscle activity and according to each part of bite force after open reduction with internal fixation when mandibular angle fracture and subcondyle fracture occurred. And to determine the appropriate period for mandibular fracture patients to have normal masticatory activity. 30 patients with normal bite condition was selected for control group and from April, 2007 to September, 2007, 20 patients who visited our department of oral and maxillofacial surgery of Dankook University, were selected for the study and were diagnosed as mandibular angle fracture and subcondyle fracture. For control group, the bite force for incisors, canine, premolars and molars and activity of the masseter muscle was measured and compared for 1, 2, 3, 4, 6 and 8 weeks. That was divided as fracture side and normal side. Mann-Whitney U test was performed for significant difference and the following result was obtained. 1. The maximum voluntary bite force for incisors, canine, premolars and molars portion were 0.113 kN, 0.182kN, 0.295kN and 0.486kN and the masseter muscle activity was 0.192 volts in the control group. 2. The maximum bite force at fracture side was recovered by 4th weeks for incisors, 6th weeks for canine and premolars and 8th weeks for molars and the masseter muscle activity was recovered by 6th weeks in the experimental group. 2. The maximum bite force at normal side was recovered by 4th weeks for incisors, 6th weeks for canine, premolars and molars and the masseter muscle activity was recovered by 3rd weeks in the experimental group. 3. The method for internal fixation by 2.0mm miniplates at both superior and inferior border had no complications according for twenty patients and had a satisfactory recovery. According to the result, patient with mandibular angle fracture and subcondyle fracture, 8 weeks was required for bite force recovery. Therefore, patients with open reduction and internal fixation under general anesthesis, it can be assumed that 8 weeks was needed after operation in order to have normal bite force and masseter muscle recovery.