Spatium Massetericomandibulare and Perimandibular Abscess

Spatium massetericomandibulare

 * Also called submasseteric or masseteric space


 * It is a potential space (under normal- healthy conditions it does not exist)

Borders

 * Inferior: Insertion of masseter muscle (masseteric tuberosity)


 * Posterior: Parotid gland (parotid fascia)


 * Lateral: Masseter muscle


 * Medial: Ramus of mandible


 * Anterior: continuous with buccal region

Clinical notes

 * This space is involved when periapical abscess, usually from the lower wisdow teeth, continues and spreads in this location


 * The abscess in spatium massetericomandibulare causes significant trismus (inability to open the mouth)

Perimandibular abscess

 * Accumulation of pus laterally and medially from the mandibular body


 * Usually infection originates from the mandibular molars


 * Occurs in perimandibular spaces


 * Perimandibular spaces:


 * 1) Spatium peritonsilare
 * 2) Spatium paratonsilare
 * 3) Spatium pterygomandibulare
 * 4) Spatium massetericomandibulare
 * 5) Spatium sublingualis
 * 6) Spatium submandibulare