INTRODUCTION:Total laryngectomy leads to adhesions, pain, muscle shortening and deficit in mobility of the neck. Interfere with functions of the stomatognathic system; chewing is an important example. OBJECTIVE: Verify a possible predominance of chewing side in laryngectomized and the decrease related in the amplitude of movements of head and neck. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The study population consisted of 18 adult volunteers were divided into two groups: the total laryngectomy group and control group. All subjects underwent an evaluation of goniometric range of motion of head flexion, extension, tilt and rotation, and a masticatory to identify the existence of a preference for one side chewing. RESULTS: There was chewing side preference for predominantly left in total laryngectomy. In the goniometric evaluation, the extension movement was active and passive range of motion with only reduced significantly in total laryngectomy compared to the control group. Relating the masticatory preference side with the goniometric findings, when it occurred to the right, the movement amplitude was significantly limited in length only the active and passive. But when the choice was left, there was a reduction of the passive extension angle and tilt to the right, either actively or passively. CONCLUSION: The total laryngectomy showed a preference for left hand chewing and is accompanied by a significant reduction in the amplitude of movement and only the passive extension of the inclination to the right, both active and passive.
Laryngectomy; Chewing; Range of motion articular; Head; Neck
