Lateral Pterygoid Muscle Location in Relation to Preauricular Skin Measured from CT Scans among a Sample of Yemeni Adults.

Aim The aim of this study was to determine the lateral pterygoid muscle (LPM) in relation to preauricular skin measured from computed tomography (CT) scan measurements. Materials and methods CT scans of 160 patients aged between 18 and 75 years were retrospectively collected and analyzed, and the distances were measured to determine the location of the LPM center in relation to the preauricular skin. On axial CT crossing the maximum muscle width, two lines [the first line is below the center of the zygomatic arch (first position), while the second line was 5 mm posterior to the first one (second position)] were drawn from the preauricular skin to the medial border and then extended to the lateral border of the muscle. These measurements were used to calculate the distance to the center of the muscle mathematically. Data were statistically analyzed, and the differences between both genders and both sides were investigated. The level of significance was set at p-value Results Males displayed larger mean values in two positions (36.6 ± 2.25 and 35.97 ± 4.19, respectively) than females (33.66 ± 4.46 and 32.80 ± 3.21, respectively). The difference between both genders was found to be statistically significant. Measurements on the right side were also larger than those on the left side, but with no significant difference. Conclusion LPM center can be approached safely in males by inserting the needle about 36 mm at the first position and 33 mm at the second position. However, in females, these distances are located 3 mm shorter in both positions. Clinical significance The outcome of this study will provide the clinicians with measurements that can help in directing the needle or electromyography (EMG) electrode during the extraoral injection technique of the LPM. How to cite this article: Al-Tairi NH, Al-Sharaee YA, Alhajj MN. Lateral Pterygoid Muscle Location in Relation to Preauricular Skin Measured from CT Scans among a Sample of Yemeni Adults. J Contemp Dent Pract 2021;22(5):522-526.