THE USE OF ULTRASONOGRAPHY AS A DIAGNOSTIC-TOOL FOR SUPERFICIAL FASCIAL SPACE INFECTIONS

Purpose: This study examined the value of ultrasonography as a diagnos tic tool in the treatment of superficial acute odontogenic fascial spa ce infections. Patients and Methods: The study group consisted of 50 p atients in whom both radiographic and sonographic examinations, as wel l as a needle aspiration, were performed. Results: Purulent fluid was aspirated in 22 of the 50 patients. Six patients diagnosed as sufferin g from cellulitis had a repeated ultrasonography scan. In four, absces s formation was diagnosed on the third day. Conclusions: Ultrasonograp hy is an effective diagnostic tool to confirm abscess formation in the superficial fascial spaces and is highly predictable in detecting the stage of infection.