Rare mandibular condition presenting as trismus: an exploration of IgG4-related disease.

A woman in her 30s presented with a 12-month history of reduced mouth opening and swelling on the right side of her mandible. The swelling was non-tender and firm on palpation. The swelling began to increase in size after the extraction of her carious wisdom tooth. Histopathological and serological examinations confirmed the diagnosis of IgG4-related disease, manifested as a mass in the mandible. The patient was prescribed oral corticosteroids at a tapering dosage over 8 weeks. After 3 months, there was an improvement in the patient's mouth opening and a reduction in the size of the swelling. The patient remains in follow-up care. Including IgG4-related disease in the list of potential diagnoses for oral soft tissue masses is crucial, given their positive response to medical treatment, highlighting the significance of an accurate diagnosis to prevent unnecessary surgery, with oral lesions potentially serving as early indicators before multiorgan complications arise.

Effectiveness of mHealth intervention for trismus exercise in patients with head and neck cancer undergoing proton and heavy ion therapy: a randomized control trial.

PURPOSE: This study aimed to compare the effects of a mobile health intervention based on social cognitive theory with standard care on maximal mouth opening, exercise compliance, and self-efficacy in patients receiving proton and heavy ion therapy for head and neck cancer. METHODS: This open-label, parallel-group, randomized, superiority trial involved a self-developed "Health Enjoy System" intervention. We assessed maximal mouth opening, exercise compliance, and self-efficacy at baseline (T0), post-treatment (T1), and at 1 month (T2) and 3 months (T3) after radiotherapy. Generalized estimating equations were used to analyze differences between the groups over time, with results reported as P values and 95% confidence intervals (CIs). RESULTS: The study included 44 participants. At T3, the intervention group showed a 6 mm greater increase in maximal interincisal opening than the control group (mean difference = 6.0, 95% CI = 2.4 to 9.5, P = 0.001). There was also a significant difference in exercise compliance between the groups (mean difference = 31.7, 95% CI = 4.6 to 58.8, P = 0.022). However, no significant difference in self-efficacy was found between the groups. CONCLUSION: This study demonstrated that an mHealth intervention incorporating behavior change theory could effectively enhance or maintain maximal mouth opening in patients undergoing proton and heavy ion therapy for head and neck cancer in China. This approach provides valuable support during and after treatment. TRIAL REGISTRATION: ChiCTR: ChiCTR2300067550. Registered 11 Jan 2023.

Oral management for a patient with trismus accompanied by Isaacs' syndrome: a case report.

BACKGROUND: Isaacs' syndrome, also known as neuromyotonia or peripheral nerve hyperexcitability, is a rare disorder that affects the peripheral nervous system. Clinical findings include cramps, fasciculations, and myokymia; however, there are few reports of dental treatment for trismus. CASE PRESENTATION: A patient with trismus due to Isaacs' syndrome experienced swelling and pain in the gingiva surrounding his right lower first molar. He was diagnosed with chronic apical periodontitis by a dentist near his home. However, the patient was informed that dental treatment and medication could not be administered because of the presence of Isaacs' syndrome, and he visited the Geriatric Dentistry and Perioperative Oral Care Center at Kyushu University Hospital 2 weeks later. The patient's painless mouth-opening distance (between incisors) was 20 mm at that time, and medication, including amoxicillin capsules and acetaminophen, was administered because the dental extraction forceps or endodontic instruments were difficult to insert into the oral cavity for treatment. Two months after his initial visit, the patient visited us complaining of pain in the same area. However, he had recently undergone plasmapheresis treatment in neurology to alleviate limited mouth opening and systemic myalgia, resulting in a pain-free mouth-opening distance of approximately 35 mm. During this temporary period in which he had no restriction in mouth opening, we performed tooth extraction and bridge restoration on the mandibular right first molar and created an oral appliance for sleep bruxism. CONCLUSIONS: Plasmapheresis therapy transiently reduced trismus, rendering dental interventions feasible, albeit temporarily. This case report underscores the importance of close collaboration between neurologists and dentists who encounter similar cases while furnishing valuable insights to inform dental treatment planning.

IS THE PHOTOBIOMODULATION THERAPY EFFECTIVE IN CONTROLLING POST-SURGICAL SIDE EFFECTS AFTER THE EXTRACTION OF MANDIBULAR THIRD MOLARS? A SYSTEMATIC REVIEW AND META-ANALYSIS.

OBJECTIVES: The extraction of third molars is one of the most performed surgical procedures in oral and maxillofacial surgery. Pain, oedema, and trismus are the most frequently complications related in the surgical postoperative period. The literature has indicated PBM as a potential adjuvant method to reduce these complications. The aim of this review and meta-analysis is evaluate the PBM, as an optimal method to improve patient experience and minimize postoperative morbidity. Additionally, we seek to determine which wavelength, site, and frequency of application are most effective. METHODS: This review was registered in PROSPERO (CRD42023429966) and followed PRISMA guidelines. The search was carried out in the main databases, PubMed/MEDLINE, Cochrane Library, Embase, Scopus, and Lilacs, including reviews in the most important journals in the area of oral surgery and laser applied to oral surgery. In addition, all article references and also gray literature were reviewed. After the studies selection, the relevant data was collected. All the studies were randomized controlled trials and the patients were allocated into two groups: active PBM and inactive PBM. The statistical analysis was carried out using Stata v.16, and the methodological quality and risk of bias were assessed by the Jadad scale and RoB 2.0, respectively. RESULTS: Where included 22 studies and 989 subjects, to all with a minimum follow-up of 7 days. Pain and oedema showed statistically significant results in favor to the active PBM group. Especially when laser applied in infrared mode, for pain and oedema at 48 h, MD = -1.80 (CI95% -2.88, -0.72) I²â€¯= 92.13% and MD = -1.45 (CI95% -2.42, -0.48) I²â€¯= 65.01%, respectively. The same is not true for trismus at 48 h, MD = 0.07 (CI95% -0.06, 0.21) I²â€¯= 3.26%. The meta-analysis also presented results in respect of laser site of application and number of PBM sessions. CONCLUSIONS: PBM with infrared laser, in a combination intraoral and extraoral application, in one session in the immediate postoperative period, has been shown to be effective to achieve the objectives of reducing pain and oedema after third molar extraction.

How effective are concentrated growth factor and injectable platelets in reducing complications following impacted third molar surgery?

OBJECTIVES: This study examined the impact of injectable platelet-rich fibrin (iPRF) and concentrated growth factor on postoperative pain, edema, trismus, and quality of life in impacted mandibular third molar surgery. The primary aim of this study was to minimize common sequelae following third molar surgery by using iPRF and concentrated growth factor. The secondary objective was to compare the postoperative effects of these products. METHOD AND MATERIALS: This study represents a single-center, randomized prospective clinical trial conducted at the Ordu University Faculty of Dentistry. It involved patients who underwent third molar surgery for various reasons between July and October 2022. The predictor variables were the use of concentrated growth factor and i-PRF. They were categorized as concentrated growth factor, i-PRF, and control groups. The outcome variables include pain levels and analgesic consumption measured on a visual analog scale, distances between predetermined anatomical points, maximum mouth opening capacity, and data from the postoperative symptom severity (PoSSe) scale. Some statistical tests were performed with a 95% confidence interval, which was considered significant. RESULTS: Total analgesic use was notably lower in the concentrated growth factor group (P = .044). Concentrated growth factor and iPRF outperformed the control group in all edema measurements by postoperative day 7 (tragus-pogonion, lateral canthus-angulus, tragus-commissura; P < .05). Concentrated growth factor significantly reduced trismus on days 2 and 7. Quality of life was notably higher in the concentrated growth factor group than in the control group (P = .026), although iPRF group differences were not significant. CONCLUSION: The results indicate that concentrated growth factor has a limited impact on postoperative pain, but significantly reduces edema, trismus, and enhances quality of life. The iPRF group experienced positive effects on pain, edema, and trismus, although the statistically significant differences observed with concentrated growth factor highlight its potential for use instead of iPRF after third molar surgery. An increased sample size is essential for more comprehensive results.

Restorabite™: Phase II trial of jaw stretching exercises using a novel device for patients with trismus following head and neck cancer.

Patients treated for oral cancer, may experience restricted mouth opening (trismus). Barriers such as cost have limited the utilization of traditional jaw stretching devices, and consequently, patients experience problems with swallowing, oral care, communication, and cancer surveillance. The safety and efficacy of Restorabite™, a new device designed to overcome these barriers, is evaluated prospectively over 12 months. This phase II investigator-led trial included patients with chronic trismus underwent 10-weeks of trismus therapy using Restorabite™. Safety, adherence, changes in mouth opening, and patient-reported outcomes are presented. 114/120 participants with trismus completed the intervention, and 104 had their progress monitored for 12 months. Thirteen participants withdrew due to tumour recurrence. At the completion of the intervention, mouth opening improved by 10.4 mm (p < .001). This increased to 13.7 mm at 12 months (p < .001). Patient reported outcome all significantly improved and 47 participants were no longer classified as having trismus. There were no serious treatment related adverse events. In patients with trismus following head and neck cancer treatment, a 10-week programme of jaw stretching exercises using Restorbite™ safely improves mouth opening and associated quality of life outcomes with high adherence and the benefits are maintained for 12-months.

Is Diclofenac Transbuccal Mucoadhesive Patch Superior to Oral Diclofenac for the Management of Postoperative Sequelae After Third Molar Surgery?

BACKGROUND: Pain, swelling, and trismus are the most common sequalae following the surgical removal of mandibular third molars. They pose significant challenges for clinicians, prompting the exploration of efficacious management approaches. PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to assess the efficacy of transbuccal mucoadhesive patch of diclofenac sodium versus an oral tablet in controlling the aforesaid sequelae. STUDY DESIGN, SETTING, SAMPLE: A prospective split-mouth, single-blinded study was conducted in the Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery at AMC Dental College and Hospital, Ahmedabad. The study sample included patients of either sex, aged 18 to 45 years, requiring surgical removal of bilaterally symmetrical mandibular third molars under local anesthesia. Patients who had consumed analgesics within 24 hours prior to the procedure were excluded. PREDICTOR VARIABLE: The primary predictor variable was the route of administration of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug. The study group received transbuccal mucoadhesive patches containing 20 mg diclofenac sodium, whereas the control group received oral tablets of 50 mg. MAIN OUTCOME VARIABLE: Postoperative pain, measured with visual analog scale, was the primary outcome variable, whereas swelling, mouth opening, onset of analgesic effect, and adverse events were assessed as secondary outcome variables. COVARIATES: Two categories of covariates were considered. First, demographic: age and gender. Second, perioperative: pattern of impaction. ANALYSES: Intergroup comparison was made using a paired sample t-test and an independent sample t-test, while intragroup differences were assessed with a one-way ANOVA and a paired t-test. P value ≤ .05 was considered statistically significant. RESULTS: Out of 146 patients screened initially, the final study sample included 37 subjects with a mean age of 26.08 ± 5.09 years (21 (56.75%) males and 16 (43.25%) females). The study group exhibited a significantly lower postoperative pain score compared to the control group on days 0, 1, 2, and 3 postoperatively (P ≤ .05). No statistically significant difference was observed in reduction of facial swelling and improvement in mouth opening on 1st, 2nd, and 3rd days postoperatively between both the groups (P ≥ .05). The mean onset of analgesia was statistically significant in the study group (19.96 ± 5.40 minutes) compared to the control group (52.56 ± 6.33 minutes) (P < .001). CONCLUSION AND RELEVANCE: Transbuccal mucoadhesive patch of diclofenac sodium offers effective pain control with quicker analgesia and fewer side effects compared to an oral tablet.

Postradiation trismus in head and neck cancer survivors: a qualitative study of effects on life, rehabilitation, used coping strategies and support from the healthcare system.

PURPOSE: This study aimed to explore the experiences of head and neck cancer (HNC) survivors with postradiation trismus, specifically how oncological treatment affected their lives, rehabilitation, use of coping strategies, and healthcare experiences. METHODS: A qualitative descriptive approach was used and semi-structured interviews of 10 HNC survivors with postradiation trismus were conducted 6-30 months after completing oncological treatment. The interviews were transcribed verbatim and analyzed by qualitative content analysis. RESULTS: The analysis of interviews yielded four main categories: Bodily symptoms, Effects on life, Support from the healthcare system, and Strategies to handle life and symptoms. Participants reported ongoing problems with xerostomia, dysgeusia, eating, and limited physical fitness. Pain related to trismus was not a major issue in this cohort. Participants expressed limitations in their social lives due to their eating difficulties, yet a sense of thankfulness for life and overall satisfaction with the healthcare they received. Psychological and practical coping strategies developed by the participants were also revealed. CONCLUSION: The results highlight areas of unmet need among HNC survivors that healthcare providers can target by establishing multi-professional teams dedicated to individualizing post-cancer rehabilitation care.

Comparing pre- and postoperative etoricoxib administration versus only postoperative on third molar extraction sequelae and oral health quality of life: a prospective quasi-experimental study.

OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to compare the impact of pre- and postoperative etoricoxib administration versus only postoperative on third molar extraction sequelae and oral health quality of life. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This prospective quasi experimental study involved 56 patients, divided into a study group receiving preemptive etoricoxib 120 mg before surgery and postoperative etoricoxib 120 mg (n = 28), and a control group receiving preemptive placebo before surgery and postoperative etoricoxib 120 mg (n = 28). Follow-up assessments were conducted at 3- and 7-days post-surgery, recording swelling, trismus, and adverse events. Patients rated perceived pain using the visual analog scale (VAS) and completed an oral health-related quality of life (OHRQoL) questionnaire at specified intervals. Statistical analysis employed non-parametric tests (i.e., the Mann-Whitney test, Friedman test, and Wilcoxon sign test) with P < 0.05. RESULTS: Significantly lower VAS scores were reported in the study group throughout the follow-up period (P < 0.05). Pharmacological protocol did not have a significant impact on postoperative edema and trismus (P > 0.05). However, double etoricoxib intake significantly improved postoperative quality of life on day 3 after surgery (P < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Pre- and postoperative etoricoxib 120 mg intake in third molar surgery reduced postoperative pain and enhanced postoperative quality of life on day 3 after surgery. Importantly, it was equally effective in managing swelling and trismus compared to exclusive postoperative intake. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Preemptive etoricoxib use may decrease patient discomfort following impacted mandibular third molar extraction.

Developing and Validating an Intelligent Mouth-Opening Training Device: A New Solution for Restricted Mouth Opening.

Restricted mouth opening (trismus) is one of the most common complications following head and neck cancer treatment. Early initiation of mouth-opening exercises is crucial for preventing or minimizing trismus. Current methods for these exercises predominantly involve finger exercises and traditional mouth-opening training devices. Our research group successfully designed an intelligent mouth-opening training device (IMOTD) that addresses the limitations of traditional home training methods, including the inability to quantify mouth-opening exercises, a lack of guided training resulting in temporomandibular joint injuries, and poor training continuity leading to poor training effect. For this device, an interactive remote guidance mode is introduced to address these concerns. The device was designed with a focus on the safety and effectiveness of medical devices. The accuracy of the training data was verified through piezoelectric sensor calibration. Through mechanical analysis, the stress points of the structure were identified, and finite element analysis of the connecting rod and the occlusal plate connection structure was conducted to ensure the safety of the device. The findings support the effectiveness of the intelligent device in rehabilitation through preclinical experiments when compared with conventional mouth-opening training methods. This intelligent device facilitates the quantification and visualization of mouth-opening training indicators, ensuring both the comfort and safety of the training process. Additionally, it enables remote supervision and guidance for patient training, thereby enhancing patient compliance and ultimately ensuring the effectiveness of mouth-opening exercises.

Do Platelet-Rich Concentrates Improve the Adverse Sequelae of Impacted Mandibular Third Molar Removal?

BACKGROUND: Several measures have been implemented to minimize the side effects of impacted third molar (M3) removal including the use of platelet-rich fibrin (PRF). PURPOSE: This study compared the effects of three modifications of PRF (leukocyte-PRF [L-PRF], advanced-PRF [A-PRF], and advanced-PRF plus [A-PRF +]) on the side effects of impacted M3 removal. STUDY DESIGN, SETTING, AND SAMPLE: This double-blinded randomized controlled trial was conducted at the Oral Surgery Department of Kashan University between September 2022 and May 2023 on patients undergoing mandibular impacted M3 removal. Exclusion criteria were age over 30, local inflammation and infection, medication usage, and systemic disease. INDEPENDENT VARIABLE: The independent variable was the PRF product grouped into four categories (control, L-PRF, A-PRF, and A-PRF+). Study subjects were randomly distributed among the four groups. MAIN OUTCOME VARIABLE(S): The main outcome variables were postoperative sequelae including measures of soft tissue healing, pain, analgesic use, alveolar osteitis, trismus, and swelling. Subjects were assessed at baseline and on days 1, 2, 3, and 7 postsurgery. COVARIATES: Age, sex, duration of surgery, and side of surgery were the covariates. ANALYSES: Changes at different time points were analyzed using repeated measures analysis of variance. Pairwise comparisons were performed if significant. P values ≤.05 were considered statistically significant. RESULTS: The sample consisted of 64 subjects (16 per group). All three modifications of PRF yielded significantly better soft tissue healing index than the control group on days 2, 3, 7, and 14 postoperatively (P > .05). A-PRF and A-PRF + had significantly better healing index than L-PRF on the third day (P = .02, P = .01). All the study groups significantly reduced visual analog scale pain score than the control group on days 1, 2, and 3. A-PRF and A-PRF + had significantly lower visual analog scale scores than L-PRF on the second day (P = .003, P = .02). No significant difference was found in maximum mouth opening during follow-up sessions (P = .2). Study groups had less facial swelling on days 2 and 3 than the control group (P < .05). CONCLUSION AND RELEVANCE: L-PRF, A-PRF, and A-PRF + can improve postoperative outcomes after M3 removal but may not impact trismus. A-PRF and A-PRF + may be more effective than L-PRF in promoting soft tissue healing and reducing pain. A-PRF and A-PRF + have comparable results.

Longitudinal outcomes of trismus release with free-flap reconstruction in primary and secondary oral submucous fibrosis-related trismus.

BACKGROUND: Oral submucous fibrosis is a global health concern associated with betel quid use and results in trismus, which can be either primary or secondary in origin. Severe cases often require trismus release with free-flap reconstruction. This study examined longitudinal outcome trends following trismus release and compared the outcomes of patients with primary and secondary oral submucous fibrosis-related trismus. METHODS: We conducted a retrospective cohort study by including patients who underwent trismus release between 2013 and 2022. All procedures were performed by a single surgical team to ensure technique standardisation. We measured the maximum mouth opening, the interincisal distance, perioperatively and 1, 2, 3, 4, 6 and 12 months post-operatively. Data were analysed using generalised estimating equations. RESULTS: A total of 35 patients were included in the study, 17 with primary and 18 with secondary oral submucous fibrosis-related trismus. Initially, patients with primary oral submucous fibrosis-related trismus had greater interincisal distance gains than those with secondary oral submucous fibrosis-related trismus (p = 0.015 and p = 0.025 at 3 and 4 months post-operatively, respectively). However, after 12 months, this initial advantage faded, with comparable interincisal distance improvements in patients with primary and secondary disease, despite the more complex surgical procedures required in secondary cases. CONCLUSION: Surgeons should carefully consider the benefits of trismus release procedures for patients with secondary oral submucous fibrosis-related trismus by recognising the changes in post-operative outcomes.

Efficacy of matrix rhythm therapy (MaRhyThe©) over conventional therapy on radiation induced trismus-A pilot randomised control trial.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Prevalence of radiation induced trismus in head and neck cancer (HNC) is 38% to 42% globally. Radiation induced trismus depends on the dosage of the radiation therapy and the surgical procedure. Myofascial release (MFR) and Matrix rhythm therapy (MaRhyThe©) are techniques used to treat the myofascial pain and muscular restriction. The present study aimed to compare the effect of MFR and MaRhyThe© on pain, mouth opening, TMJ disability index (TDI), Gothenburg Trismuus Questionnaire (GTQ), Functional Intraoral Glasgow Scale (FIGS) and quality of life in participants with Radiation induced trismus. MATERIALS AND METHODOLOGY: About 30 participants in age group of 18 to 65 years diagnosed with radiation induced trismus were included in the study. All the participants were randomly allocated in 2 groups MFR group and MaRhyThe© group. Both the group received structured exercise program. Primary outcomes were Visual Analogue Scale (VAS), Vernier Caliper reading for maximum mouth opening. Secondary outcome measure viz. GTQ, TDI, FIGS and Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy-Head and Neck (FACT-HN) all obtained values were analyzed at the end of 4th week. RESULTS: The present study demonstrated significant improvement in terms of reduction in pain, improvement in maximum mouth opening and in GTQ, TMD, FIGS, and FACT-HN scores in all the participants in both group (p ≤ 0.05). However, the groups showed equal effectiveness in the treatment of radiation induced trismus.

An Evaluation of the Effects of Pineapple-Extract and Bromelain-Based Treatment after Mandibular Third Molar Surgery: A Randomized Three-Arm Clinical Study.

A three-arm, randomized, placebo-controlled clinical study was conducted to assess the impact of lyophilized pineapple extract with titrated bromelain (Brome-Inf®) and purified bromelain on pain, swelling, trismus, and quality of life (QoL) following the surgical extraction of the mandibular third molars. Furthermore, this study examined the need for Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs) by comparing their effects with a placebo group. This study enrolled 42 individuals requiring the extraction of a single mandibular third molar under local anesthesia. The patients were randomly assigned to receive Brome-Inf®, purified bromelain, or a placebo orally, initiating treatment on the day of surgery and continuing for the next 7 days. The primary outcome measured was the requirement for NSAIDs in the three groups. Pain, swelling, and trismus were secondary outcome variables, evaluated postoperatively at 1, 3, and 7 days. This study also assessed the comparative efficacy of freeze-dried pineapple extract and single-component bromelain. Ultimately, the placebo group showed a statistically higher need for ibuprofen (from days 1 to 7) at the study's conclusion (p < 0.0001). In addition, reductions in pain and swelling were significantly higher in both the bromelain and pineapple groups (p < 0.0001 for almost all patients, at all intervals) than in the placebo group. The active groups also demonstrated a significant difference in QoL compared to the placebo group (p < 0.001). A non-significant reduction in trismus occurred in the treatment groups compared to the placebo group. Therefore, the administration of pineapple extract titrated in bromelain showed significant analgesic and anti-edema effects in addition to improving QoL in the postoperative period for patients who had undergone mandibular third molar surgery. Moreover, both bromelain and Brome-Inf® supplementation reduced the need for ibuprofen to comparable extents, proving that they are good alternatives to NSAIDs in making the postoperative course more comfortable for these patients. A further investigation with larger samples is necessary to assess the pain-relieving and anti-inflammatory impacts of the entire pineapple phytocomplex in surgical procedures aside from mandibular third molar surgery.

Mannitol Reduces Pain and Trismus After Impacted Mandibular Third Molar Surgery.

BACKGROUND: The removal of the lower third molar is a routine procedure in oral surgery, yet it often leads to postoperative side effects, particularly inflammation. Despite various interventions explored in prior studies, there is still a need for effective strategies, such as anti-inflammatory substances, to address postoperative side effects. PURPOSE: The purpose of this study is to answer the following clinical question: Does the local injection of 0.9 M mannitol reduce postoperative pain, trismus, and swelling in patients undergoing bilateral symmetrically impacted mandibular third molar extraction? STUDY DESIGN, SETTING, SAMPLE: This prospective, single-blind, split-mouth study at Hamadan Dental School involved 30 patients with bilateral symmetrically impacted mandibular third molars. Inclusion criteria were: no current medication, no anesthesia allergies, bilateral symmetrically impacted mandibular third molars, non-smokers, and the absence of systemic diseases. Exclusion criteria were: poor oral hygiene, alcohol/cigarette use, drug consumption, diabetes, systemic/gastrointestinal disorders, infection at the surgical site, lack of patient cooperation, and mannitol/anesthetic allergy. PREDICTOR/EXPOSURE/INDEPENDENT VARIABLE: The predictor variable was therapeutic injection, and it was grouped into two categories, 0.9 M mannitol solution or distilled water. MAIN OUTCOME VARIABLE: The primary outcome variable was pain. Secondary outcomes are trismus, swelling, patient satisfaction, and analgesic consumption. COVARIATES: Covariates included demographic information and operative details. ANALYSES: Statistical analyses included repeated measures and paired t-tests with a significance level set at P < .05. RESULTS: The study comprised 30 participants (mean age: 22.6 ± 3.59 years; 6 men, 24 women). In the test group, pain intensity significantly decreased from 5.30 on surgery day to 0.00, with subsequent values of 2.97, 1.30, 0.40, 0.17, and 0.03. The control group also decreased from 7.68 to 0.00, with values of 4.73, 2.67, 0.97, 0.23, and 0.07. The difference was statistically significant (P < .001). No significant swelling differences at T1, T3, T5, and T7 (P > .05). The intervention group had improved maximum mouth opening at T1, T3, T5, and T7 (P = .011) compared to the control group. CONCLUSION AND RELEVANCE: Mannitol infiltration significantly reduces postoperative pain and trismus in impacted third molar surgery. This finding underscores the potential for improved patient comfort and recovery in this context.

Trismus in head and neck cancer: translation and validation of the Chinese version of the Gothenburg Trismus Questionnaire-2 (C-GTQ-2).

OBJECTIVES: Trismus, marked by restricted mouth opening, significantly affects patients with temporomandibular disorder (TMD) and head and neck cancer (HNC). Despite its prevalence, specialized questionnaires for trismus assessment are scarce. This study aims to fill this gap by translating and validating the Gothenburg Trismus Questionnaire version 2 (GTQ-2) into Chinese (C-GTQ-2), enhancing the evaluation of trismus in HNC and TMD patients. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The study involved 78 HNC patients, 75 TMD patients, and a control group of 150 individuals without trismus symptoms. Participants were asked to complete the C-GTQ-2 and other health-related quality of life (HRQL) instruments. A subset of 30 individuals retook the questionnaire within two weeks to assess test-retest reliability. RESULTS: The C-GTQ-2 demonstrated remarkable reliability, with Cronbach's alpha values exceeding 0.70 in three of the four domains, indicating high internal consistency. The instrument also showcased high intra-class correlations in the test-retest, affirming its reliability. Furthermore, it exhibited strong convergent validity, aligning well with other HRQL instruments, and effectively discriminated between patients with and without trismus, establishing its discriminant validity. CONCLUSIONS: The C-GTQ-2 emerges as a valid and reliable tool for assessing trismus in HNC and TMD patients, promising to significantly enhance both clinical and research approaches to managing trismus-related complications in the Chinese-speaking demographic. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: C-GTQ-2 proves effective for trismus assessment in head and neck cancer and temporomandibular disorder patients, offering enhanced clinical and research utility.

Clinical profile and outcomes of tetanus patients in a tertiary hospital in the Philippines: a ten-year retrospective study.

BACKGROUND: Tetanus is a life-threatening but preventable neurologic disorder characterized by trismus and muscle spasms. Despite its decreasing global incidence, it remains to be endemic in resource-limited settings such as the Philippines. This study aimed to determine the incidence, demographic characteristics, risk factors, clinical presentation, management, complications, and outcomes of non-neonatal tetanus cases in a tertiary hospital in the Philippines. It also aimed to compare the clinical profile and outcomes between the adult and pediatric subgroups. METHODS: This study used a retrospective cross-sectional design including all adult and pediatric non-neonatal tetanus patients admitted at the University of the Philippines - Philippine General Hospital from January 2012 to June 2023. Data was extracted from department censuses and inpatient charts. RESULTS: One hundred thirty-eight cases were included. The incidence rate was 0.03%, while mortality rate was 29%. Majority of patients were males presenting with trismus and spasms after sustaining a puncture wound. Chronic hypertension was associated with an increased hazard of death by 4.5 times (p = 0.004), while treatment with magnesium sulfate was associated with a decreased hazard of death by 35 times (p = 0.005). The mode of infection and the medications administered differed between the adult and pediatric subgroups. CONCLUSIONS: Although the total number of cases has decreased over the past decade, tetanus remains to have a high incidence and mortality rate in the Philippines. Increasing vaccination coverage, improving public awareness, and educating health professionals can help reduce morbidity and mortality from this disease.

Reduced mouth opening in patients with head and neck cancer treated with radiation therapy: an analysis of the Clinical Registry of Dental Outcomes in Head and Neck Cancer Patients (OraRad).

OBJECTIVE: Trismus/reduced mouth opening (RMO) is a common side effect of radiotherapy (RT) for head and neck cancer (HNC). The objective was to measure RMO, identify risk factors for RMO, and determine its impact on quality of life (QOL). STUDY DESIGN: OraRad is an observational, prospective, multicenter cohort study of patients receiving curative intent RT for HNC. Interincisal mouth opening measurements (n = 565) and patient-reported outcomes were recorded before RT and every 6 months for 2 years. Linear mixed-effects models were used to evaluate change in mouth opening and assess the relationship between trismus history and change in QOL measures. RESULTS: Interincisal distance decreased from a mean (SE) of 45.1 (0.42) mm at baseline to 42.2 (0.44) at 6 months, with slight recovery at 18 months (43.3, 0.46 mm) but no additional improvement by 24 months. The odds of trismus (opening <35 mm) were significantly higher at 6 months (odds ratio [OR] = 2.21, 95% CI: 1.30 to 3.76) and 12 months (OR = 1.87, 95% CI: 1.08 to 3.25) compared with baseline. Females were more likely to experience trismus at baseline and during follow-up (P < .01). Patients with oral cavity cancer had the highest risk for trismus at baseline and post-RT (P < .01). RMO was associated with higher RT dose to the primary site and receiving concomitant chemotherapy (P < .01). Trismus was associated with self-reported difficulty opening the mouth and dry mouth (P < .01). CONCLUSIONS: A decrease in mouth opening is a common treatment-related toxicity after RT, with some recovery by 18 months. Trismus has a significant impact on survivor QOL.