What is True about Ludwig&;s angina and explain in detail?
LUDWIG'S ANGINA Submandibular space lies between mucous membrane of the floor of mouth and tongue on one side and superficial layer of deep cervical fascia extending between the hyoid bone and mandible on the other. It is divided into two compaments by the mylohyoid muscle: 1. Sublingual compament (above the mylohyoid). 2. Submaxillary and submental compament (below the mylohyoid). The two compaments are continuous around the posterior border of mylohyoid muscle. Ludwig's angina is infection of submandibular space. AETIOLOGY : 1. Dental infections: They account for 80% of the cases. Roots of premolars often lie above the attachment of mylohyoid and cause sublingual space infection while roots of the molar teeth extend up to or below the mylohyoid line and primarily cause submaxillary space infection. 2. Submandibular sialadenitis, injuries of oral mucosa and fractures of the mandible account for other cases. Ref:- Dhingra; pg num:-263,264