• The korean journal of orthodontics
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• v.27 no.2
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• pp.283-296
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• 1997

Stomatognathic system is a complex one that is composed of TMJ, neuromuscular system, teeth and connective tissue, and all its components are doing their parts to maintain their physiological relationships. Mandible, in particular, performs various functions such as mastication, speech, and deglutition, the muscular activities that determine such functions are signalled by numerous types of proprioceptors that exist in periodontal membrane, TMJ, and muscles to be controlled by complicated pathways and mechanics of peripheral and central nervous system. Orthodontic treatment, especially when accompanied by orthognathic surgery, brings dramatic changes of stornatognat is system such as intraoral proprioceptors and muscle activities and thus, changes in patterns of mandibular function result The author tried to analyze changes in patterns of mandibular movement and physiologic activities of surrounding muscles in Skeletal Class III ortlrognathic surgery patients who presently show a great increase in numbers. The purpose of this study was to draw some objective guidelines in evaluating funclierual aspects of orthognathic surgery patients. Mandibular functional analysis using Biopak was performed for skeletal Class III prognathic patients who underwent IVRO(lntraoral Vertical Ramus Osteotmy), and the following results were obtained: 1. Resting EMG was greater in pre-surgical group than the control group, and it showed gradual decrease after the surgery. Clenching EMG of masseter and anterior temporalis of pre-surgical group was smaller than those of control group, they also increased post-surgically, and significant difference was found between pre-surgical and post-surgical(6 months) groups. 2. Resting EMG of anterior ternporalis was greater than that of all the other muscles, but there was no significant difference. Clenching EMG of anterior temporalis and masseter were greater than those of the other muscles with statistical difference. In swallowing, digastric muscle showed the highest EMG with statistical significance. 3. Limited range of mandibular movement was shown in pre-surgical group. Significant increase in maximum mouth opening was observed six months post-surgically, and significant increase in protrusive movement was observed three months post-surgically.