A simple and low-cost technic for immobilization of mandible during head and heck radiotherapy: a technical note

Abstract

Immobilization protocols for head and neck radiotherapy (HNR) are needed to reduce radiation dispersion in non-tumoral tissues and to reduce damage to noble structures; however, involuntary mandibular movements require additional adaptations of thermoplastic masks.

Purpose

Our objective was to describe an easy and low-cost disposition to help thermoplastic masks immobilize the mandible during HNR.

Materials and methods

We created Styrofoam models to stabilize the mandible which was used to make adaptation to the thermoplastic masks. The Styrofoam model was inserted into alginate to construct a mold and a self-curing acrylic resin was added into the mold. After the acrylic resin hardened, the dispositive mandibular immobilizer was removed from the alginate mold and adjusted with Maxicut and Minicut or other drills and sandpaper. The alginate mold can be used on the same day to create backup devices.

Results and conclusions

Our device was made in a simple way, has a low cost, and helps the thermoplastic masks to immobilize the mandible, leading to a more precise individualization of head and neck immobilization that can reduce unanticipated radiation scatter and improve radiation distribution.

Keywords:

• Radiotherapy
• cost-benefit analysis
• head and neck neoplasms

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Karisa Lorena de Freitas Lima

Karisa Lorena de Freitas Lima is a Postgraduate student at the Department of Dentistry, Unichristus, Fortaleza, Ceara, Brazil and Dentistry of Hospital da Liga Mossoroense de Estudos e Combate ao Câncer, Mossoro, Rio Grande do Norte, Brazil.

Iana Aragão Magalhães

Iana Aragão Magalhães is a Postgraduate student at the Department of Dentistry, Unichristus, Fortaleza, Ceara, Brazil.

Larissa Mont’Alverne de Arruda

Larissa Mont'Alverne de Arruda is an Oncologist at the Hospital Haroldo Juaçaba, Ceara Cancer Institute, Fortaleza, Ceara, Brazil.

Thinali Sousa Dantas

Thinali Sousa Dantas, PhD, is a Professor of the Department of Dentistry, Unichristus, Fortaleza, Ceara, Brazil.

Paulo Goberlânio de Barros Silva

Paulo Goberlânio de Barros Silva, PhD, is a Professor of the Department of Dentistry, Unichristus, and Hospital Haroldo Juaçaba, Ceara Cancer Institute, Fortaleza, Ceara, Brazil.