Radiation dose to the masseter and medial pterygoid muscle in relation to trismus after chemoradiotherapy for advanced head and neck cancer.

Background: We studied the relationship between trismus (maximum interincisor opening [MIO] ≤35 mm) and the dose to the ipsilateral masseter muscle (iMM) and ipsilateral medial pterygoid muscle (iMPM).

Methods: Pretreatment and post-treatment measurement of MIO at 13 weeks revealed 17% of trismus cases in 83 patients treated with chemoradiation and intensity-modulated radiation therapy. Logistic regression models were fitted with dose parameters of the iMM and iMPM and baseline MIO (bMIO).

Efficacy of a novel swallowing exercise program for chronic dysphagia in long-term head and neck cancer survivors.

Background: The efficacy of rehabilitative exercises for chronic dysphagia treatment in head and neck cancer survivors has not been studied extensively and is ambiguous.

Methods: A prospective clinical phase II study using an intensive strength training program was carried out in 17 head and neck cancer survivors with chronic dysphagia. Both swallow and nonswallow exercises were performed for 6-8 weeks with a newly developed tool allowing for progressive muscle overload, including chin tuck, jaw opening, and effortful swallow exercises.

The cost-effectiveness of TheraBite® as treatment for acute myogenic temporomandibular disorder.

Objective: Temporomandibular disorder (TMD) is a very common and costly pain problem concerning the temporomandibular joint. A previous study has shown that for the treatment of acute myogenic TMD, TheraBite® (TB) offers a faster and greater effect than usual care consisting of physical therapy (PT). This study estimates the cost-effectiveness of TB compared to PT.

Hyoid bone displacement as parameter for swallowing impairment in patients treated for advanced head and neck cancer.

Reduced hyoid displacement is thought to contribute to aspiration and pharyngeal residues in head and neck cancer (HNC) patients with dysphagia. To further study hyoid elevation and anterior excursion in HNC patients, this study reports on temporal/kinematic measures of hyoid displacement, with the additional goal to investigate correlations with clinical swallowing impairment. A single-blind analysis of data collected as part of a larger prospective study was performed at three time points before and after chemoradiotherapy.

Feasibility and potential value of lipofilling in post-treatment oropharyngeal dysfunction.

Objectives/hypothesis: Head and neck cancer (HNC) patients may develop oropharyngeal dysfunction as result of volume loss or muscle atrophy of the tongue or pharyngeal musculature following treatment with surgery and/or chemoradiotherapy. If intensive swallowing therapy offers no further improvement, and the functional problems persist, transplantation of autologous adipose tissue (lipofilling) might restore functional outcomes by compensating the existing tissue defects or tissue loss.

Study Design: Case series.