Intermediate
Technical
In the Industry Vocabulary Test
trismus
Pronunciation: TRIZ-mus
Limited mouth opening due to muscle spasm, scarring, or mechanical restriction, commonly seen after oral and maxillofacial procedures.
Full Definition
Trismus is the restriction of mouth opening caused by spasm or contracture of the muscles of mastication, most commonly the masseter, temporalis, and medial pterygoid muscles. In craniofacial surgery, trismus can result from surgical trauma, infection, fibrosis, or mechanical obstruction from hardware or scarring. Normal interincisal opening measures 35-45mm, with trismus typically defined as opening less than 35mm. Treatment may include physical therapy, muscle relaxants, botulinum toxin injection, or surgical release depending on the underlying etiology.
In Context
- "The patient developed severe trismus following mandibular osteomyelitis, limiting opening to 15mm." — Clinical examination finding
- "Trismus gradually improved with aggressive physical therapy and anti-inflammatory medication." — Treatment response documentation
Also known as
lockjaw
limited mouth opening
Contrasted with
normal mouth opening
unrestricted jaw movement
Don't confuse with
TMJ dysfunction
jaw dislocation