Spaces

Question 1

How do buccal space infections occur

Answer 1

Via spread of dental infection –> generates obvious abscess

Question 2

Draw a diagram of the retropharyngeal space and danger space (lateral view)

Answer 2

Lateral pharyngeal and retropharyngeal spaces

Question 3

What are the complications associated with retropharyngeal abscess

Answer 3

Mass
-airway compression

Rupture
-aspiration of pus –>pneumonia or asphyxia

Spread

• Inflammation and distruction of adjacent tissues
• Mediastinitis
• Pyopneumothorax
• Carotid sheath –> IJV thrombosis, carotid rupture
• Prevertebral space -collapsed vertebrae

NB Retropharyngeal space contains retrophayrngeal lymph nodes –> this is one route of spread to this space

Question 4

What structures does the masticator space include and what spaces does it contain

Answer 4

All muscles of mastication

Pterygomandibular space
Infratemporal
Temporal space

Extensive communications w/:

• Buccal
• Lateral and retropharyngeal spaces
• Submandibular and sublingual

Question 5

Which spaces does the submandibular space communicate with

Answer 5

infratemporal fossa and masticator spaces