Changes in the electromyographic activity of masticatory muscles in patients undergoing bimaxillary surgery

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study is to investigate short-term changes in the electromyographic (EMG) activity of masticatory muscles in individuals with skeletal Class III malocclusion undergo double-jaw orthognathic surgery. MATERIAL AND METHODS: In patients with skeletal Class III anomaly, EMG activity changes in the anterior temporalis and masseter muscles were measured before T0 and at 3 (T1) and 6 (T2) months after bimaxillary orthognathic surgery. Recordings were obtained using the 'MP100' device and circular Ag-AgCl electrodes during closure, clenching, chewing and swallowing. Data from 26 individuals (12 males, 14 females) with a mean age of 21.7 years were analysed using the Friedman test. RESULTS: A significant decrease was observed in the right/left masseter muscles during clenching/chewing from T1 to T0 (right and left masseter clenching: p < 0.001, left masseter chewing: p < 0.01, right masseter chewing: p < 0.05), while a significant increase was noted in the right masseter's clenching function from T2 to T1 (p < 0.01). The EMG activity of the right anterior temporal muscle decreased during clenching at T1-T0 (p < 0.001), increased at T2-T1 (p < 0.05), and decreased during chewing/swallowing at T1-T0 (chewing: p < 0.001, swallowing: p < 0.05) and T2-T0 (p < 0.05). The left anterior temporal muscle showed decreased EMG activity during clenching at T1-T0 (p < 0.001), increased at T2-T1 (p < 0.05), and decreased during chewing at T1-T0 (p < 0.001). During swallowing, a decrease was observed at T2-T0 (p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Partial changes in EMG activity were observed during some functions in the 3-month period; however, no significant overall change was recorded in the 6-month period.