Ultrasound-guided needle aspiration of lateral masticator space abscess.

Shortly after admission with facial space infection, ultrasound-guided needle aspiration of lateral masticator space abscess was carried out in 2 adult patients. One abscess was associated with pericoronitis and the other with post-extraction infection. Successful aspiration of pus was followed by an instantaneous improvement in the ability to open the mouth for a period of at least 24 hours. This obviated the need for conscious nasoendoscopic intubation and allowed orotracheal intubation for conventional drainage. We concluded that ultrasonography can be beneficial in the management of orofacial infections.