LUDWIG'S ANGINA, RETROPHARYNGEAL ABSCESS

Abstract

Although many common suppurative processes about the head and neck such as localized suppuration of the lymph nodes give little concern and are rather easily cared for, the less common spreading lesions such as Ludwig's angina, retropharyngeal abscess and other deep collections of the head and neck usually are the cause of considerable anxiety and call for a thorough knowledge of the anatomy of the regions concerned as well as adequate surgical judgment and skill. The seriousness of these conditions lies in their tendency to spread along fascial planes and invade the thorax, with the production of mediastinitis. Because of the numerous discrepancies in description of the fasciae and fascial spaces of the head, neck and adjacent regions, my associate, Dr. Holyoke, and I undertook a study of these fasciae and spaces at the anatomy department of the University of Nebraska College of Medicine. During the last four years ninety-five