Temporomandibular Joint (TMJ) and Muscles of Mastication

The Radiation portals that include the temporomandibular joint and/or muscles of mastication may affect the capsule or muscular integrity. The radiotherapy-induced cellular damage and eventual tissue fibrosis can lead to muscle spasm, trismus, and limited function of radiation dose to the area. These effects manifest 3 to 6 months post-radiotherapy with threshold doses between 15 Gy and 50 Gy.¹³