The Cases of Three Tetanus Patients Presenting with Lockjaw as the Chief Complaint

Abstract

The cases of three tetanus patients who visited our department with lockjaw as the chief complaint are presented. While the incidence of tetanus has decreased markedly in Japan, the disease remains highly lethal. Trismus is one of the initial symptoms associated with tetanus, and some patients with this symptom present to dental clinics or oral surgery departments. Since tetanus requires prompt treatment, dentists and oral surgeons must be aware of the clinical symptoms and pathology of this disease.