32. Parotideomaseterial area: submaseterial abscess and phlegmon. Topographic and surgical anatomy, etiology, clinical features

Question 1

Common causes of submasseterial abscess and phlegmon in the parotideomasseterial are

Answer 1

• Infections => mandibular molars, especially third molars
• Spread of infection from the buccal space
• Spread of infection from fractures of the mandibular angle

Question 2

Anatomy of the parotideomasseterial area during submasseterial abscesses

Answer 2

• Lies between lateral aspect of mandible and medial boundary of masseter=>
• Surrounded by masseter, lateral and medial pterygoid, temporal muscle, and skull

Question 3

Clinical features of a submasseterial abscess

Answer 3

• Pain
• Swelling in the area overlying the angle of the jaw and the ramus of the mandible
• Trismus

Question 4

Primary treatment for submasseterial abscess

Answer 4

surgical drainage

Question 5

Potential complications of a submasseterial abscess

Answer 5

• Bacteremia with the risk of sepsis
• Risk of endocarditis
• Phlegmon (a spreading infection with severe inflammation)
• Periostitis, osteitis, and osteomyelitis