ASSESSMENT OF PULMONARY STATUS FOLLOWING INTERMAXILLARY FIXATION- A CLINICAL STUDY

Abstract

Aim: The aim of the study was to determine the effect of intermaxillary xation on pulmonary function. Methods:133 patients comprising 107 males and 26 females with age ranging from 18 to 50 were taken up for study. The patients' Pulmonary Function Tests were done using spirometer to measure the necessary parameters before and after the application of intermaxillary xation. The values obtained were also compared with 50 healthy volunteers. Results: The results showed that there is a signicant decrease in values of Pulmonary Function Test after the application of intermaxillary xation. Conclusion: Pulmonary status evaluation becomes necessary on account of the obstructive nature of intermaxillary xation. This simple and routinely used procedure should be avoided in respiratory compromised patients with Pulmonary Function Test values lower than the predicted value.