Objective: This study was designed to assess the feasibility of using the Jaw Dynasplint System as an adjunct to conventional stretching exercises as a preventative measure against trismus in patients undergoing radiotherapy. Methods: Study participants (n = 40) were randomized using a permuted block design to conventional stretching or stretching plus use of the Jaw Dynasplint 3 times per day for 30 minutes. Patients were instructed to record maximum interincisal opening each day as well as logging use of the Jaw Dynasplint. Results: At 6 months after initiation of the preventative regimen, 50% of patients in the Dynasplint arm and 75% in the conventional stretching arm remained on their assigned therapy. Trismus was diagnosed in 2 patients in the control arm and in 4 patients in the Dynasplint arm. Only 25% (95% confidence interval = 11.1, 46.9) of patients in the Dynasplint arm used the device as prescribed. Conclusions: The addition of the Jaw Dynasplint decreased compliance compared with conventional stretching. It is unlikely that the prescribed regimen will prove efficacious as a preventative measure due to low compliance.

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6049 Background: We previously reported the development and preliminary testing of the Vanderbilt Head and Neck Symptoms Survey version 2.0 (VHNSS 2.0 ) for assessment of symptom burden in head and neck cancer (HNC) patients who are undergoing or completed primary or adjuvant radiation based therapy (Cooperstein et al., Head and Neck, 2012, 24(6): 797-804). In addition to expanding items on existing domains, version 2.0 includes new domains such as dental health, mucosal sensitivity, and joint range of motion. Herein we report the results of initial validation of the instrument. Methods: 159 unique patients with HNC completed the 50 item VHNSS 2.0 as a part of one of three supportive care studies. Since each of these studies was prospective and longitudinal with repeated application of the VHNSS 2.0, we chose to utilize the first complete questionnaire for each patient for this analysis. Results: Patient characteristics: median age 57 (range 28-81 years), male 74.8%, Caucasian 91.8%, T3 or T4 46.5%, N2 or N3 66%, Site: pharynx 57.9%, oral cavity 15.1%, larynx 11.3%, 15.7%. Analysis identified 10 distinct clusters with 3 single items. The internal consistency of the clusters was good to excellent. Cronbach’s alpha coefficient, a statistical measure of reliability is shown in the Table. Conclusions: The VHNSS 2.0 is a robust, reliable measure of acute and late toxicities in patients undergoing radiation for HNC. These results provide a platform for administering appropriate interventions, which would ultimately provide for effective management of adverse oral health outcomes. [Table: see text]

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