Steffen, ClaudiusClaudiusSteffenDuda, KatharinaKatharinaDudaWulsten, DagDagWulstenVoss, Jan OliverJan OliverVossKoerdt, SteffenSteffenKoerdtNahles, SusanneSusanneNahlesHeiland, MaxMaxHeilandCheca Esteban, SaraSaraCheca EstebanRendenbach, CarstenCarstenRendenbach2024-05-162024-05-162023-02-01Diagnostics 13 (4): 586 (2023)https://hdl.handle.net/11420/47514Bite 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.en2075-441820234bite forcecapacitive sensorfunctional analysismandibular reconstructionsensorssurgical flapsTechnology::610: Medicine, HealthTechnology::620: Engineering::620.1: Engineering Mechanics and Materials ScienceJournal Article10.3390/diagnostics13040586Journal Article