Infratemporal Fossa Abscess

Abstract

The infratemporal fossa (ITF) is a rare anatomic site for abscess formation. Infections in this space have been found following maxillary sinusitis, maxillary sinus fracture, temporomandibular arthroscopy, dental infection, and tooth extraction. 1-5 The ITF is bounded superiorly by the sphenoid bone, medially by the lateral pterygoid plate, anteriorly by the maxilla, posteriorly by the deep parotid region, and laterally by the mandibular ramus. The ITF contains important neurovascular structures and communicates with the orbit and middle cranial fossa. Therefore, infection may spread to these areas leading to rapid clinical deterioration.