1. Long-term results of trismus release in noma patients.
- Author
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Bisseling, P., Bruhn, J., Erdsach, T., Ettema, A.M., Sautter, R., and Bergé, S.J.
- Subjects
TRISMUS ,DISEASE complications ,GANGRENE ,PHYSICAL therapy ,SURGICAL therapeutics ,TREATMENT effectiveness - Abstract
Abstract: Noma, also known as cancrum oris, is an infectious disease that results in a loss of orofacial tissue, due to gangrene of soft and bony tissue. It is especially seen in young children in the sub-Saharan region. Among the sequelae of patients who survive noma, trismus is one of the most disabling. This retrospective research studied the long-term results of trismus release in noma patients. Thirty-six patients could be traced in the villages and were included in the study. The mean mouth opening in this group was 10.3mm (95% CI: 7.0; 13.6mm) and the mean period after discharge from hospital was 43 months. Better mouth opening was observed in patients who continued physiotherapy after discharge, were older, and those with a ‘soft’ (vs. ‘hard’) inner and outer cheek on palpation. The result of trismus release in noma patients in the long term was extremely poor in this study. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
- Published
- 2010
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