Is induced membrane technique effective in reconstruction of mandibular segmental bone defects? An experimental study

This study aimed to compare the effectiveness of different graft materials using induced membrane technique for reconstruction of mandibular segmental bone defects. New Zealand rabbits were used as the experimental animal. As first-stage surgical procedure, segmental bone defects were created at the lower border of the mandibula in all groups. Polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA) cement was inserted into the defects. After 6 weeks, PMMA cement was removed in all groups. In the Control group, defect areas were left empty. Defects were filled with autogenous graft in the Autograft group, xenograft in the Xenograft group, and a mixture of autogenous graft and xenograft in the Autograft + Xenograft group. Histopathological, stereological, and immunohistochemical analyses were performed. A total of 40 New Zealand rabbits were used. Rabbits were randomly divided into four subgroups as Control, Autograft, Xenograft and Autograft + Xenograft groups (n = 10). When the groups were compared in terms of newly formed bone tissue volumes, significant difference was found between the Control group and Autograft group, Xenograft group and Autograft + Xenograft group (p < 0.001, p < 0.001, p = 0.003). The results of immunohistochemical examination were consistent with this finding. Stereological and immunohistochemical results can be used as a justification to adopt the induced membrane technique on an experimental basis in humans when it comes to the reconstruction of small segmental mandibular defects.

Masticatory function before and after masticatory muscle-related temporomandibular disorder treatment: An observational study

BACKGROUND

Muscle-related temporomandibular disorders (TMD) may affect the masticatory function. Chewing function can be assessed objectively using bolus-kneading tests, such as two-colour chewing-gum mixing ability test.

OBJECTIVE

The aim was to compare the masticatory function with a two-colour chewing-gum test before and after treatment of the masticatory muscle-related temporomandibular disorder.

METHODS

Twenty-one patients with masticatory muscle disorder according to Diagnostic Criteria for Temporomandibular Disorders (DC/TMD) were recruited as an experimental group, and further twenty-one participants without any TMD were included as controls. Pain intensity (scored on a visual-analogue scale) and maximum mouth opening (MMO) were recorded. Jaw Functional Limitation Scale-8 (JFLS-8) was conducted on all patients. Before and after treatment, masticatory function was evaluated with a validated bolus-kneading test, using two-colour chewing gum.

RESULTS

There was no statistically significant difference in chewing function before and after treatment in the experimental group (p = .715). When these values were compared with the control group, there were no statistically significant differences (p = .489, p = .890). There was no correlation between masticatory function and VAS, MMO, JFLS-8 before and after treatment in the experimental group.

CONCLUSION

The two-colour chewing-gum test is not sensitive when the masticatory performance is not severely impaired.