Dynasplint for the Management of Trismus after Treatment of Upper Aerodigestive Tract Cancer: A Retrospective Study
Year: 2011
Type: article
Study design: Observational Study
Abstract: In order to evaluate the Dynasplint Trismus System (DTS) for the relief of trismus secondary to the treatment of head and neck cancer, we conducted a retrospective chart review of patients who had undergone DTS therapy during a 1-year period. Our inclusion criteria were cancer of the upper aerodigestive tract; treatment with radiation, chemotherapy, and/or surgery; and a maximal incisal opening (MIO) of less than 30 mm. MIO and the rate of improvement of trismus ("gain") were measured at selected intervals. Twenty-six patients met our study criteria; their pretherapy mean MIO was 19.3 mm. At the time of their most recent measurement, the mean MIO had increased to 25.5 mm-a measured gain of 32%. Although the initial rate of gain was 0.36 mm/day during the first 6 weeks, improvement leveled off over time, and the overall rate of gain was 0.16 mm/day. We conclude that the DTS is effective in increasing the mandibular range of motion at a rate of change that is maximized during initial treatment.
Source: Ear Nose & Throat Journal
Authors: Christopher F. Barañano, Eben L. Rosenthal, Bruce A. Morgan, Nancy L. McColloch, J. Scott Magnuson
Institutions: University of Alabama at Birmingham, UAB Medicine
Language: English
Subfield: Pulmonary and Respiratory Medicine
Field: Medicine
Domain: Health Sciences
Open Access status: bronze
OpenAlex ID: W2409359903