Clinical and Technical Validation of Novel Bite Force Measuring Device for Functional Analysis after Mandibular Reconstruction

Bite force measuring devices that are generally suitable for edentulous patients or patients undergoing mandibular reconstruction are missing. This study assesses the validity of a new bite force measuring device (prototype of loadpad(®), novel GmbH) and evaluates its feasibility in patients after segmental mandibular resection. Accuracy and reproducibility were analyzed with two different protocols using a universal testing machine (Z010 AllroundLine, Zwick/Roell, Ulm, Germany). Four groups were tested to evaluate the impact of silicone layers around the sensor: no silicone (“pure”), 2.0 mm soft silicone (“2-soft”), 7.0 mm soft silicone (“7-soft”) and 2.0 mm hard silicone (“2-hard”). Thereafter, the device was tested in 10 patients prospectively who underwent mandibular reconstruction using a fibula free flap. Average relative deviations of the measured force in relation to the applied load reached 0.77% (“7-soft”) to 5.28% (“2-hard”). Repeated measurements in “2-soft” revealed a mean relative deviation of 2.5% until an applied load of 600 N. Maximum bite force decreased postoperatively by 51.8% to a maximum mean bite force of 131.5 N. The novel device guarantees a high accuracy and degree of reproducibility. Furthermore, it offers new opportunities to quantify perioperative oral function after reconstructive surgery of the mandible also in edentulous patients.