Functional Ability of Masticatory Muscles in Treated Mandibular Fracture Cases Using Surface Electromyography (sEMG)

Abstract

Mandibular fractures occur frequently and account for more than half of all maxillofacial fractures. The mandible is then subject to complications after treatment. The aim of this study is to assess the function of the masticatory muscles in patients who have been treated for mandibular fractures in Hospital Universiti Sains Malaysia (HUSM) in relation to quality of life, clinical findings and surface electromyography (sEMG) findings of the masseter and temporalis muscles. Subject group refer to patients who underwent treatment for mandibular fracture in HUSM. Subjects were interviewed using a quality of life questionnaire adapted from the University of Washington Quality of Life Scale-Version 4 and then assessed clinically. The functions of the masticatory muscles were then assessed using sEMG and the results compared to that of the control group of patients who never had mandibular fracture. Statistical analysis of the parameters showed significant difference (p<0.05) for both masseter and temporalis muscles during rest, chewing and clenching except for the right masseter muscle during rest. In conclusion, the function of the masticatory muscles was significantly affected even after treatments have been given post mandibular fracture in relation to their quality of life, clinical findings and sEMG results.