1. A Randomized Feasibility Trial to Evaluate Use of the Jaw Dynasplint to Prevent Trismus in Patients With Head and Neck Cancer Receiving Primary or Adjuvant Radiation-Based Therapy.
- Author
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Zatarain LA, Smith DK, Deng J, Gilbert J, Dietrich MS, Niermann KJ, Ridner SH, and Murphy BA
- Subjects
- Adult, Aged, Combined Modality Therapy, Feasibility Studies, Female, Head and Neck Neoplasms pathology, Humans, Jaw Fixation Techniques instrumentation, Male, Middle Aged, Neoadjuvant Therapy adverse effects, Pilot Projects, Radiotherapy Dosage, Radiotherapy, Adjuvant adverse effects, Self Care, Trismus etiology, Head and Neck Neoplasms radiotherapy, Splints, Trismus prevention & control
- Abstract
Objective: This study was designed to assess the feasibility of using the Jaw Dynasplint System as an adjunct to conventional stretching exercises as a preventative measure against trismus in patients undergoing radiotherapy., Methods: Study participants (n = 40) were randomized using a permuted block design to conventional stretching or stretching plus use of the Jaw Dynasplint 3 times per day for 30 minutes. Patients were instructed to record maximum interincisal opening each day as well as logging use of the Jaw Dynasplint., Results: At 6 months after initiation of the preventative regimen, 50% of patients in the Dynasplint arm and 75% in the conventional stretching arm remained on their assigned therapy. Trismus was diagnosed in 2 patients in the control arm and in 4 patients in the Dynasplint arm. Only 25% (95% confidence interval = 11.1, 46.9) of patients in the Dynasplint arm used the device as prescribed., Conclusions: The addition of the Jaw Dynasplint decreased compliance compared with conventional stretching. It is unlikely that the prescribed regimen will prove efficacious as a preventative measure due to low compliance.
- Published
- 2018
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