Long-term results of trismus release in noma patients

Noma, also known as cancrum oris, is an infectious disease that results in a loss of orofacial tissue, due to gangrene of soft and bony tissue. It is especially seen in young children in the sub-Saharan region. Among the sequelae of patients who survive noma, trismus is one of the most disabling. This retrospective research studied the long-term results of trismus release in noma patients. Thirty-six patients could be traced in the villages and were included in the study. The mean mouth opening in this group was 10.3 mm (95% CI: 7.0; 13.6 mm) and the mean period after discharge from hospital was 43 months. Better mouth opening was observed in patients who continued physiotherapy after discharge, were older, and those with a 'soft' (vs. 'hard') inner and outer cheek on palpation. The result of trismus release in noma patients in the long term was extremely poor in this study.