Trismus: Interprofessional Assessment, Functional Implications, and Rehabilitation Strategies in Clinical Practice

Abdullah Mubarak Almughyirah (1), Samar Masnad Alanazi (2), Abdulelah Gaseem Hamali (3), Mohammed Hassan Faqihi (4), Ghalib Mohammed Abdu Arar (5), Latifah Eid Mashrouk Alshammari (6), Naseem Ageel Bashkor (7), Nawaf Hamoud Hamad ALHarbi‏ ‏ (8), Maram Ahmed Saed Maqtary (9), Eman Owaidh Suayfan Al shallahi (10), Sara Jaber Aldafeeri (11), Muradi Basheer Alruwili (12)
(1) Hotat Bani Tamim Hospital, Ministry of Health, Saudi Arabia,
(2) King Khalid hospital, Ministry of Health, Saudi Arabia,
(3) King Salman medical city, Ministry of Health, Saudi Arabia,
(4) Jizan specialist Hospital, Ministry of Health, Saudi Arabia,
(5) Al Darb General Hospital, Ministry of Health, Saudi Arabia,
(6) Maternity and children Hospital, Ministry of Health, Saudi Arabia,
(7) Erada Hospital for Mental Health, Ministry of Health, Saudi Arabia,
(8) AL Rass General Hospital, Ministry of Health, Saudi Arabia,
(9) Erada Hospital and Mental Health, Ministry of Health, Saudi Arabia,
(10) Ministry of Health, Saudi Arabia,
(11) Al Waha Primary Health Care Center, Ministry of Health, Saudi Arabia,
(12) Hafer Albatin Central Hospital, Ministry of Health, Saudi Arabia

Abstract

Background: Trismus is a clinical condition characterized by restricted mandibular mobility, often resulting from trauma, infection, temporomandibular disorders, or oncologic treatments. It significantly impacts mastication, speech, oral hygiene, and airway management.


Aim: To review the etiologies, functional implications, and management strategies for trismus in clinical practice.


Methods: A comprehensive literature-based analysis was conducted, synthesizing evidence on pathophysiology, epidemiology, diagnostic approaches, and therapeutic interventions.


Results: Trismus arises from diverse causes including trauma, dental procedures, infections, and radiotherapy-induced fibrosis. Acute cases typically resolve with conservative measures such as heat therapy, NSAIDs, and muscle relaxants. Chronic or refractory cases require physiotherapy, jaw motion devices, and occasionally surgical intervention. Early recognition and multidisciplinary care improve outcomes.


Conclusion: Timely diagnosis and tailored management are essential to prevent long-term disability and optimize functional recovery.

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Authors

Abdullah Mubarak Almughyirah
aalmogerah@moh.gov.sa (Primary Contact)
Samar Masnad Alanazi
Abdulelah Gaseem Hamali
Mohammed Hassan Faqihi
Ghalib Mohammed Abdu Arar
Latifah Eid Mashrouk Alshammari
Naseem Ageel Bashkor
Nawaf Hamoud Hamad ALHarbi‏ ‏
Maram Ahmed Saed Maqtary
Eman Owaidh Suayfan Al shallahi
Sara Jaber Aldafeeri
Muradi Basheer Alruwili
Almughyirah, A. . M., Alanazi, S. M., Hamali, A. G., Faqihi, M. H., Arar, G. M. A., Alshammari, L. E. M., … Alruwili, M. B. (2025). Trismus: Interprofessional Assessment, Functional Implications, and Rehabilitation Strategies in Clinical Practice. Saudi Journal of Medicine and Public Health, 2(2), 2974–2982. https://doi.org/10.64483/202522515

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