Relationship Between Mouth Opening and Masseter Elasticity in Oral Cancer

Association Between Maximum Mouth Opening and Masseter Muscle Elasticity in Oral Cancer Patients: A Study Using Sonographic Elastography

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.

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.

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.