A comparison of masticatory function in patients with or without reconstruction of the mandible

Background The functional benefits of mandibular reconstruction following a composite resection remain unclear. Although microvascular surgical techniques have dramatically increased the predictability of bone and soft‐tissue reconstruction towards presurgical anatomic norms, the specific factors responsible for improved function remain controversial. Objective measures of masticatory function need to be more clearly determined before the predictability and efficacy of reconstructive approaches is established. Methods We evaluated objective measures of oral function and patient reports of function in 10 reconstructed mandibulectomy patients, 10 without reconstruction, and 10 controls. Measures of oral function included bite force assessed at the first molar and incisal edge, a measure of tongue and cheek function, and patient reports of food they could eat. Results Both reconstructed and nonreconstructed patients presented decreased biting force, a more restricted diet, and compromised cheek and tongue function as compared with normals. However, reconstructed patients had significantly better measures of tongue function and ability to eat a varied diet than did nonreconstructed patients. Of the objective measures used to measure masticatory performance, bite force was poorly correlated, whereas measures of tongue function strongly correlated with successful mastication. Conclusion Both reconstructed and nonreconstructed patients presented with a significant functional deficit when compared with normals, with reconstructed patients having better overall function than nonreconstructed patients. © 1997 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. Head Neck 19: 287–296, 1997.