Rose Marie Fay

The misdiagnosis of temporomandibular disorders in lateral pharyngeal space infections--two case reports.

Two cases of lateral pharyngeal space infections which were initially misdiagnosed as temporomandibular disorders (TMD) are presented and discussed. Such symptomatology as chronic facial pain, trismus and decreased inter-incisal opening provide many viable different diagnoses. It is important for the clinician to evaluate these different diagnoses in a logical manner. Conservative therapy is advised in the initial treatment of many TMDs, therefore other diagnoses with a greater potential for morbidity should be ruled in or out before the diagnosis of TMD is considered. The symptomatology of lateral space infections and the relevance of this entity to clinical dentistry are discussed.