Luigi Angelo Vaira1, Olindo Massarelli2, Roberta Gobbi2, Andrea Biglio2, Giacomo De Riu2. 1. Maxillofacial Surgery Operative Unit, University of Sassari, Viale San Pietro 43B, 07100, Sassari, Italy. luigi.vaira@gmail.com. 2. Maxillofacial Surgery Operative Unit, University of Sassari, Viale San Pietro 43B, 07100, Sassari, Italy.
Abstract
BACKGROUND: The sensitive restoration is a primary aim of oral reconstructive surgery. The Semmes-Weinstein monofilament test is the "Gold Standard" to assess the threshold of tactile sensitivity on the skin but its use in the oral cavity is limited due to the size of the tools. We adopted half-cut Semmes-Weinstein monofilaments to evaluate the threshold of tactile sensitivity in oral reconstructions with buccinator myomucosal flaps. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Monofilaments were half-cut and recalibrated. Fifty-seven oral reconstructions were considered at 4-year minimum follow-up. Test was conducted both on the reconstructive flap and on the non-operated contralateral side. RESULTS: All of the considered flaps (100%) showed a recovery of tactile sensitivity. The overall average tactile threshold value assessed on this sample was 0.76 ± 1.58 g/mm2 overall. CONCLUSIONS: Shortened monofilaments allow easily assessment of tactile sensitivity in all the oral cavity areas, even in operated patients which often present lockjaw or microstomia.
BACKGROUND: The sensitive restoration is a primary aim of oral reconstructive surgery. The Semmes-Weinstein monofilament test is the "Gold Standard" to assess the threshold of tactile sensitivity on the skin but its use in the oral cavity is limited due to the size of the tools. We adopted half-cut Semmes-Weinstein monofilaments to evaluate the threshold of tactile sensitivity in oral reconstructions with buccinator myomucosal flaps. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Monofilaments were half-cut and recalibrated. Fifty-seven oral reconstructions were considered at 4-year minimum follow-up. Test was conducted both on the reconstructive flap and on the non-operated contralateral side. RESULTS: All of the considered flaps (100%) showed a recovery of tactile sensitivity. The overall average tactile threshold value assessed on this sample was 0.76 ± 1.58 g/mm2 overall. CONCLUSIONS: Shortened monofilaments allow easily assessment of tactile sensitivity in all the oral cavity areas, even in operated patients which often present lockjaw or microstomia.