Bite force and maxillofacial morphology in patients with Duchenne-type muscular dystrophy.

PURPOSE The purpose of this study is to evaluate maxillofacial morphology and bite force in patients with severe Duchenne-type myodystrophy. PATIENTS AND METHODS The subjects included 24 men (average age, 21.5 years; range, 17 to 30 years) with Duchenne-type muscular dystrophy receiving treatment in National Ioh Hospital. Lateral and axial cephalograms were used to assess the morphology in this study. The maximum bite force on the first molar and the maximum mouth opening distance were measured. RESULTS The anterior open bite was visualized in most patients on the lateral cephalogram. The upper and lower arch lengths in the patients were significantly smaller than those in the controls (P < .05). In contrast, the upper and lower arch widths in the patients were significantly larger than those in the controls (P < .05). The maximum bite force and maximum mouth opening distance in the patients were significantly lower than those in the controls (P < .05). CONCLUSION These results appear to be very useful for improving the care and treatment of patients with Duchenne-type muscular dystrophy.