Evaluation of trismus after treatment of mandibular fractures

This retrospective study examines the effects of treatment modalities and other contributing factors on the duration of trismus following mandibular fractures. Under a strict protocol, 80 cases involving a total of 120 fractures and their treatment modalities were reviewed. An investigation of duration of trismus was carried out in several ways. Although a relationship was established between age, initial interincisal distance, and duration of trismus, no relationship was found with the number or location of fractures, or reduction method. However, after examining the fixation methods separately, it was found that those cases in which Champy plates were used experienced a shorter duration of trismus compared with those using closed reduction with maxillomandibular fixation.