Table 4 Comparison of the two techniques used for obtaining masseter biopsies from healthy volunteers
|  | Microbiopsies (n = 18) | Traditional biopsies (n = 10) |
|---|---|---|
Mean weight of each muscle section | 19.8 (±2.5) mg*** | 58.4 (±9.6) mg |
Mean volume of each muscle section | 13.0 (±1.6) mm3*** | 64.4 (±9.9) mm3 |
Surrounding tissues | No | Yes |
Type of tissue | Â | Parotid gland (20%) |
| Â | Fat cells (30%) | |
Adequate muscle section | 100% | 100% |
Number of PGP 9.5 positive fibers per section | 8.2 ± 1.2* | 2.7 ± 0.2 |
Area of wound | 1 (±0.04) mm2*** | 10 (±0.7) mm2 |
Post-surgical discomfort | 3 (±1) days | 8 (±2) days |
Type of discomfort | ||
Palpatory tenderness over the belly of the masseter (100%) | Palpatory tenderness over the belly of the masseter muscle (100%) | |
Bleeding (6%) | Limited jaw function (10%) | |
Chewing difficulties (50%) | ||
Discomfort from sutures (100%) | ||
Extra visit to remove sutures (100%) |