title: [Initial results using extracorporeal low energy shockwave therapy ESWT in muscle reflex-induced lock jaw].
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Post-traumatic reflex-mediated temporomandibular joint (TMJ) locking is one of the complications frequently observed after sophisticated and long dentoalveolar operations. Its severity can be up to 90%. Usually, therapy consists of mouth-opening exercises using tongue depressors. In difficult cases, the treatment regularly extends for weeks, often with only moderate improvement of this painful limitation.
  In three cases, it was shown that supportive treatment utilizing low-energy shock waves (ESWT) is significantly effective in the therapy of limited opening of the mouth. The patients reported relief of their complaints, especially over the mandibular angle region, through the daily application of ESWT and felt their condition improved after the fifth therapy course.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  This in particular improved the patient's ability to eat, speak, and maintain good oral hygiene. Great physiotherapeutic benefit is imparted by the use of ESWT in the clinical management of these and other cases of dentomaxillofacial practice.
authors.affiliation: Abteilung für Zahnärztliche Prothetik, Klinik und Poliklink für Zahn-, Mund- und Kieferheilkunde, Universitätsklinikum Hamburg-Eppendorf.
authors.forename: I
authors.initials: I
authors.lastname: Schenk
authors.forename: M
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Vesper
authors.forename: V C
authors.initials: VC
authors.lastname: Nam
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D002648:Child; D004867:Equipment Design; D006801:Humans; D008096:Lithotripsy / Q000295:instrumentation*; D008297:Male; D011183:Postoperative Complications / Q000209:etiology / Q000628:therapy*; D013705:Temporomandibular Joint Disorders / Q000209:etiology / Q000628:therapy*; D014076:Tooth Diseases / Q000601:surgery*; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D014313:Trismus / Q000209:etiology / Q000628:therapy*