Computed tomography of the infratemporal fossa in primary jaw pathology

Abstract

Due to the anatomical relationship of the jaws to the infratemporal fossa this area is readily involved in pathological processes of the jaw. Conventional radiographs play a limited role in demonstrating this region. A variety of primary diseases of the jaws, namely hereditary, developmental, infective, benign and malignant tumours with extension into the infratemporal fossa, are presented. Computed tomography is an excellent method for showing both osseous and soft-tissue components which include bony destruction, new bone formation, soft tissue calcification, inflammatory and malignant processes affecting the muscles and fat in the infratemporal fossa.