Relationship Between Mouth Opening and Masseter Elasticity in Oral Cancer

National Taiwan University

Status: Not yet enrolling

Conditions: Oral Cancer

Treatments: Diagnostic Test: ultrasonographic imaging

Study type: Observational

Funder types: Other

Identifiers

NCT06941727

202502031RIN

Details and patient eligibility

About

The study aims to assess the hardness of masticatory muscles in post-surgical oral cancer patients using strain elastography ultrasound, calculating the masseter elasticity index and exploring its association with maximum interincisal mouth opening. Furthermore, the study incorporates exercise training to analyze whether changes in masseter hardness can serve as an objective indicator for predicting the improvement of trismus.

Full description

This study aims to evaluate the hardness of masticatory muscles in patients who have undergone surgery for oral cancer, using strain elastography ultrasound. Specifically, the research focuses on measuring the elasticity of the masseter muscle by calculating the masseter elasticity index (MEI) and analyzing its correlation with maximum interincisal mouth opening (MIO). Since trismus, or restricted mouth opening, is a common post-surgical complication affecting oral function and quality of life, understanding the relationship between muscle elasticity and jaw mobility is crucial. Additionally, the study incorporates a structured exercise training program designed to improve jaw function in these patients. By monitoring changes in masseter muscle hardness before and after the intervention, the research aims to determine whether variations in muscle elasticity can serve as an objective indicator for predicting improvements in trismus.

Enrollment: 10 estimated patients

Sex: All

Ages: 20 to 65 years old

Volunteers: No Healthy Volunteers

Inclusion criteria

1. Newly diagnosed oral cancer patients who are scheduled to receive cancer-related treatments (e.g., oral cancer surgery, radiotherapy, chemotherapy, or chemoradiotherapy).
2. Age between 20 and 65 years.

Exclusion criteria

1. Could not communicate.
2. Had any disorder that could influence movement performance.