Orofacial myofunctional condition of patients with facial trauma in different stages of recovery

ABSTRACT Purpose: to describe the global orofacial myofunctional condition of patients presented with facial trauma and analyze postural and mobility aspects related to swallowing function at different stages of recovery. Methods: an analytical and cross-sectional study with 36 participants, aged 19 to 67 years, conducted in five stages (D1, D2, D3, D4, and D5), on the 8th to 60th day after trauma, using the adapted Orofacial Myofunctional Evaluation Protocol with Scores (OMES). Descriptive and inferential statistical analysis was performed using the paired Student's t-test or paired Wilcoxon test, and the Friedman test which compared the five evaluations. A 5% margin of error was used in the decision of the statistical tests. Results: in lip movements, the majority (69.4%) had severe inability. In tongue movements, the two related categories (imprecise and severe inability) had percentages of 52.8% and 41.7%, respectively. In jaw movements, the majority (83.3%) had severe inability. The median OMES score was lowest in D1 (29.00), followed by D2 (33.00), highest in D5 (46.00), and ranged from 39.50 to 41.00 in the other two evaluations, with significant differences between D1 and D3, D4 and D5, and D2 and D5. Conclusion: the orofacial myofunctional condition progressed, spontaneously and positively, throughout the evaluations. However, attention is needed from the professionals involved.