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Radiation Therapy and Lockjaw 放射線治療與牙關緊閉

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Radiation Therapy and Lockjaw 放射線治療與牙關緊閉

2024/4/23

The fibrosis under the impact of masticatory muscle and temporomandibular joint receiving radiation therapy, which leads to tighter lockjaw. Patients could have less flexibility when opening the mouth while the reduction of mouth-opening width will affect the performance of eating.

Lockjaw and difficulty with opening the mouth could occur during or after radiation therapy, which level depends on the received dose and fibrosis produced. 

Treatment Method

  • Denture removal is suggested for removal during the radiation therapy.  
  • Keep opening and clothing the mouth during the therapy period.

Prevention of Lockjaw

  • The average person can open the mouth to the width of accommodating 3~4 fingers horizontally. Do it multiple days per day and multiple opening to the maximum extent. Avoid excess force to prevent displacement.
  • The opening and closing and left/right exercise of jaw.
  • Use the hand or spatula to help open the mouth and frequently measure the distance between the upper and lower incisor to observe the progress. 

  • Engage in mouth-opening exercise during and after the therapy with routine return for follow-up. 

Reference
  • Ezzat, Y. E., Sharka, R. M., Huzaimi, A. A., Al-Zahrani, K. M., & Abed, H. H. (2020). The role of exercise therapy in managing post-radiotherapy trismus in head and neck cancer. Journal of Taibah University Medical Sciences16(1), 127–133. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jtumed.2020.07.005
  • Nagaraja, S., Kadam, S. A., Selvaraj, K., Ahmed, I., & Javarappa, R. (2016). Trismus in head and neck cancer patients treated by telecobalt and effect of early rehabilitation measures. Journal of cancer research and therapeutics12(2), 685–688. https://doi.org/10.4103/0973-1482.176181
  • Shao, C. H., Chiang, C. C., & Huang, T. W. (2020). Exercise therapy for cancer treatment-induced trismus in patients with head and neck cancer: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials. Radiotherapy and oncology : journal of the European Society for Therapeutic Radiology and Oncology151, 249–255. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.radonc.2020.08.024
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