2023, Vol. 10, Issue 2, Part F

Background: Oral cancer has become a global health concern worldwide. The sites included are oral cavity, pharynx, and larynx, as well as the nasal cavity and sinuses. Trismus is one of the most frequent complications in head-neck and face (further referred as HNF) cancer patients undergoing radiotherapy. Trismus in oral cancer is defined as a tonic contraction of the muscles of mastication resulting from any abnormal condition or disease with a mouth opening of ≤35 mm. Exercise intervention alone, in the role of eliminating trismus in oral cancer, has proven its effectiveness under head and neck as well as jaw exercise interventions. A study has demonstrated that a simple metal Vernier Caliper can provide reliable and valid assessment of intrinsical distance by patients and may be a valuable research tool in a setting. The Vernier caliper in a study has shown good to excellent parameters in all movements.

Aim: The purpose of the study was to compare the effectiveness of heister jaw opener and head & neck exercise on jaw ROM and Effective pain reduction in post-operative oral cancer.

Methodology: Vernier Caliper and Heister jaw opener were the equipments being used for the study. 40 subjects were randomly and equally divided into 2 groups. Group 1 was treated under Conventional Jaw exercise intervention coupled with additional head and neck exercise. Whereas, Group 2 treated under Conventional jaw exercise intervention coupled with heister jaw opening device. Post-operative oral pain was calculated with the NPRS scale. By comparing the MIO values using the Vernier caliper from the data obtained from both groups, the result was obtained. Study was conducted for a total of 5 days from the second post-operative day in patients with oral cancer.

Outcome measures: Vernier caliper and Pain Rating Scale – Numerical Pain Rating Scale (NPRS).

Result: Effective increase in jaw ROM has been seen in group B wherein the HJO device has been used (p-value= 0.02) against group A. There is seen less than significant difference in pain reduction on NPRS in analysis of each group (group A- p-value= 0.079) (group B- p-value= 0.091).

Conclusion: We conclude that the heister jaw opening device (group 2) gives better results with jaw ROM and each group method showed less than significant improvement in pain.