The advantages of using electromyography during orthodontic-surgery therapy

Objective: The aim of this study is to evaluate the possible advantages of using surface electromyography in the different phases of orthodontic-surgical therapy. Surface electromyography uses DUO TRODE bipolar surface electrodes, positioned parallel to the muscle fibres of the muscle pairs, temporalis and masseter, being analysed; a grounding electrode is also placed on the patient's forehead. This method. which is non-invasive and painless, allows the dynamic and long-term study of the muscular apparatus by monitoring muscle activity during the treatment phases: during pre-surgical orthodontics, during intermaxillary fixation and follow-up. Materials and methods: To carry out this study, patients orthodontic-surgical treatment at the Department of Biomedical, Surgical and Dental Sciences of the (University of Milan, Policlinico di Milano Ospedale Maggiore Fondazione IRCCS Ca' Granda were recruited. Following informed consent, the following operative examinations were performed on all subjects included in the study: electromyography of the temporal and masseter muscles, OPT of the dental arches, L-L and anteroposterior teleradiography, axial and facial arch teleradiography. Electromyography was performed before surgery, during' intermaxillary fixation and during post-operative controls. The relationship between orthodontic movements and neuromuscular balance was analysed in the pre-surgical phase, resting musclc activity was analysed during intermaxillary fixation. In the final post-operative phase. occlusal and neuromuscular stability was analysed. Results and conclusion: Considering the data obtained, it was seen that the of electromyography to obtain an analysis of balance and muscle memory during the various phases of an orthodontic-surgical treatment is a useful and advantageous method. This study highlights the importance of the analysis of the stomatognathic neuromuscular component in the context of orthodontic-surgical intervention due to its relevance in the masticatory act. It is therefore essential to take into account the close relationship between orthodontic-surgical therapy and the neuromuscular component (when planning these treatments.