Coronoidectomy for the treatment of trismus in head and neck cancer patients.

OBJECTIVES: Trismus is a common adverse effect of tumor extension or treatment for those with head and neck malignancy. Physical therapy is the mainstay of treatment, but many patients still fail to maintain adequate mouth opening. Coronoidectomy is a treatment option for those with trismus, and the purpose of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of coronoidectomy in treating trismus refractory to physical therapy. STUDY DESIGN: Prospective case series. METHODS: Eighteen head and neck cancer patients with interincisal distances less than or equal to 20 mm underwent coronoidectomy after failing physical therapy for at least 3 months. All patients had undergone maximal radiation therapy, half after tumor resection. RESULTS: Postcoronoidectomy, mean interincisal distances improved 22.1 mm and 21.8 mm at 6 and 12 months, respectively, with all patients maintaining an interincisal distance greater than or equal to 35 mm. Tumor location, tumor histology, or the addition of surgical resection had no impact on outcome. CONCLUSION: Coronoidectomy is effective at improving trismus refractory to physical therapy in head and neck cancer patients.