Infection Flashcards
Describe the path of third molar infection to the mediastinum
Apical abscess, perforates through the lingual cortex into the submandibular space. Spreads from the submandibular space to the lateral pharyngeal space between the middle and superior pharyngeal constrictors. From the lateral pharyngeal space spreads to the retropharyngeal space. Then spreads to the danger space at the fusion with the alar fascia (C6-T4). Finally, enters the posterior mediastinum
What are the primary fascial spaces?
Buccal, submandibular, sublingual, submental, vestibular, canine
What are the secondary fascial spaces?
Pterygomandibular, infratemporal, masseteric, masticator, lateral pharyngeal, retropharyngeal, prevertebral
What are the boundaries of the submandibular space?
Anterior: anterior belly of digastric
Posterior: posterior belly of digastric, stylohyoid muscle, stylopharyngeus muscle
Superior: medial surface of the mandible, mylohyoid muscle
Inferior: digastric tendon
Superficial: Platysma
Deep: mylohyoid muscle
What are the boundaries of the lateral pharyngeal space?
Anterior: superior and middle constrictor muscles
Posterior: Carotid sheath, scalene fascia
Superior: Cranial base
Inferior: Hyoid bone
Medial: retropharyngeal space
Lateral: medial pterygoid muscle
What are the boundaries of the buccal space?
Anterior: corner of the mouth
Posterior: masseter muscle, lateral pharyngeal space
Superior: maxilla, infraorbital space
Inferior: Mandible
Superficial: Subcutaneous tissue and skin
Deep: Buccinator muscle
What are the boundaries of the submasseteric space
Anterior: buccal space
Posterior: parotid gland
Superior: zygomatic arch
Inferior: mandible
Medial: Ascending ramus of mandible
Lateral: Masseter muscle
What is SIRS and what are the qualifications?
Systemic inflammatory response syndrome. Two or more of the following:
Fever >38 C or <36 C
Heart rate >90
Respiratory rate >20 or PaCO2 <32
WBC >12,000 or <4,000
