• The korean journal of orthodontics
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• v.27 no.2
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• pp.273-282
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• 1997

The purpose of this study was to evaluate changes in mandibular movement patterns after orthognathic surgery in skeletal Class III patients. The sample consisted of 20 Class III malocclusion patients(9 males, 11 females). Just before and after(2-7months) surgery, maximum opening & closing movement, mandibular border movement on sagittal, frontal and horizontal planes were recorded using Sirognathograph & BioPak EGN. On each record, 21 items were measured and statistically analyzed. The results were as follows 1. Angle of protrusive movement on sagittal plane showed greatest change after surgery. Also, as the incisal guidance was established by surgery, straight path of protrusive movement became curved line. 2. Maximum opening distance and maximum antero-posterior distance on maximum opening & closing movement, maximum opening distance on sagittal plane, angle of left lateral excursion on frontal plane were statistically significant after snrgery(p<0.01). 3. Maximum width of lateral excursion on frontal plane, distane of right lateral excursion and angle of maximum left lateral excursion on horizontal plane were statistiraily significant after surgery(p<0.05). 4. Maximum opening distance and maximum antero-posterior distance on maximum opening & closing movement showed significant differences according to post-surgical time(p<0.05). More recovery of range of movement occured in 5-7month group than in 2-3month group. 5. As the occlusal interferences were removed by orthognathic surgery, irregular opening & closing path became smooth curve.