A pilot study of intensive intervention using a novel trismus device

Emma Charters*, Kai Cheng, Masako Dunn, Raymond Wu, Carsten Palme, Dale Howes, Tsu-Hui (Hubert) Low, Caleb Heng, Virginia Ricketts, Karri Kneebone, Jamie Loy, Jonathan R. Clark

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

3 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

Purpose: Trismus secondary to head and neck neoplasm treatment impacts upon quality of life, nutrition, oral hygiene, and dentition. Current treatment options for trismus apply unquantified force to the jaw, and in many cases, the device costs are prohibitive. This study aimed to prospectively evaluate the impact of a novel trismus device. Method: This single arm cohort study prospectively evaluated the impact of a novel trismus device on maximal incisal opening (MIO), trismus-related function and quality of life scores. Seventeen patients diagnosed with trismus were recruited to undergo a 10-week program using a novel device. The effect of the intervention was assessed by comparing pre- vs post-intervention validated measures. Result: A significant improvement in MIO was observed post the 10-week intervention period (12.6 mm). This was associated with an improvement in patient reported trismus symptomology including quality of life, swallowing, speech, and jaw pain. Conclusions: This pilot study demonstrates the feasibility of a novel device in the treatment of trismus. Further evaluation of this device is warranted to assess efficacy, safety, and cost-effectiveness in a larger cohort with appropriate controls.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)813-820
Number of pages8
JournalInternational Journal of Speech-Language Pathology
Volume25
Issue number6
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - Dec 2023

Keywords

  • deglutition disorders
  • dysphagia
  • head and neck neoplasm
  • Trismus

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