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Background <p>Trismus is a debilitating complication in oral cancer patients undergoing multimodal treatment, affecting quality of life and functional recovery. This study evaluates the incidence, determinants, and preventive strategies for trismus in a tertiary cancer care setting.</p> Methods <p>A prospective observational study was conducted on 99 surgically treated oral squamous cell carcinoma patients. Maximum mouth opening (MMO) was assessed preoperatively and at defined intervals post-treatment. Trismus was defined as MMO ≤ 35&#xa0;mm and graded into three severity levels. Patient demographics, tumour subsite, staging, surgical details, reconstruction type, adjuvant therapy, and physiotherapy compliance were analysed.</p> Results <p>Trismus prevalence increased from 35% preoperatively to 55% following surgery and 56% after radiotherapy, with a slight decline to 52% at six months. Submucous fibrosis was a significant preoperative predictor (OR: 7.61; <i>p</i> = 0.039). Composite resection consistently elevated trismus risk compared to wide local excision (OR range: 3.52–3.82; <i>p</i> &lt; 0.005). Reconstruction type was the strongest postoperative factor, with locoregional flaps associated with higher odds than microvascular flaps (OR: 2.70). Poor physiotherapy compliance markedly increased trismus at 1 and 3 months (OR: 4.86 and 11.39; <i>p</i> &lt; 0.01). Radiotherapy showed no significant association.</p> Conclusion <p>Trismus is prevalent and multifactorial in oral cancer patients. Surgical extent, reconstruction technique, and physiotherapy adherence significantly affect outcomes. Early identification and structured rehabilitation are essential for improving functional recovery and quality of life.</p>

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Trismus in Oral Cancer Patients: Incidence, Determinants and Preventive Strategies in a Tertiary Care Centre

  • 期刊论文

  • 发表日期：

    2026年1月20日

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  • Aswin Mullath,
  • Sandeep Vijay,
  • Anoop Attakkil,
  • Raveena R. Nair,
  • Abhipsa Mishra,
  • M. V. Aneeth

摘要

Background

Trismus is a debilitating complication in oral cancer patients undergoing multimodal treatment, affecting quality of life and functional recovery. This study evaluates the incidence, determinants, and preventive strategies for trismus in a tertiary cancer care setting.

Methods

A prospective observational study was conducted on 99 surgically treated oral squamous cell carcinoma patients. Maximum mouth opening (MMO) was assessed preoperatively and at defined intervals post-treatment. Trismus was defined as MMO ≤ 35 mm and graded into three severity levels. Patient demographics, tumour subsite, staging, surgical details, reconstruction type, adjuvant therapy, and physiotherapy compliance were analysed.

Results

Trismus prevalence increased from 35% preoperatively to 55% following surgery and 56% after radiotherapy, with a slight decline to 52% at six months. Submucous fibrosis was a significant preoperative predictor (OR: 7.61; p = 0.039). Composite resection consistently elevated trismus risk compared to wide local excision (OR range: 3.52–3.82; p < 0.005). Reconstruction type was the strongest postoperative factor, with locoregional flaps associated with higher odds than microvascular flaps (OR: 2.70). Poor physiotherapy compliance markedly increased trismus at 1 and 3 months (OR: 4.86 and 11.39; p < 0.01). Radiotherapy showed no significant association.

Conclusion

Trismus is prevalent and multifactorial in oral cancer patients. Surgical extent, reconstruction technique, and physiotherapy adherence significantly affect outcomes. Early identification and structured rehabilitation are essential for improving functional recovery and quality of life.