Year : 2016

Volume : Volume 6

Issue : Issue 1s

Address for correspondence :
Dr. Harshavardhan Talla
drhvreddy@gmail.com

Abstract

Aim:  To assess the role of ultrasonography as a diagnostic tool to differentiate cellulitis from abscess of the maxillofacial region. Materials and methods: Twenty patients (11 male and 9 female) reporting to Meghna Institute of Dental Sciences, Nizamabad, Telangana, India during the period of 2015-2016 presenting with signs and symptoms of maxillofacial space infections were included in the study. All the patients were studied clinically, radiographically and ultrasonographically. Results: In all the cases, the spread of infection was odontogenic in nature. Ultrasound was accurate in assuming the exact location, an extent of spread and presence of pus collection. Conclusions: Ultrasonography is an inexpensive and non-invasive diagnostic technique that should be used to supplement clinical examination in patients with superficial fascial space infection.

Keywords: Abscess, antibiotics, cellulitis, incision and drainage, odontogenic infections, ultrasonography.