Value of ultrasound-guided drainage in the treatment of odontogenic space infections of the maxillofacial region:a clinical analysis of 23 cases

Zhe Yang¹, Rui Xiao^2*, Mingbo Zhang^1*

¹Department of Ultrasound, the First Medical Center of Chinese People’s Liberation Army (PLA) of China General Hospital, Beijing, China

²Department of Stomatology, the First Medical Center of Chinese People’s Liberation Army (PLA) ofChina General Hospital, Beijing, China

*R. X. and M.Z. were co-corresponding authors.

*Correspondence: Rui Xiao; Email: xiao_rui0809@163.comMingbo Zhang; Email: owsifanduizhe@126.com

Abstract

Objective To explore the clinical value of ultrasound-guided drainage in the treatment of odontogenic space infections of the maxillofacial region.

Methods We retrospectively analyzed data for 23 patients with maxillofacial space infections treated between October 2015 and October 2025. All patients underwent ultrasound-guided drainage. Clinical observation indicators comprised puncture success rate, time to clinical symptom improvement, pathogenic distribution, and complications.

Results One-time puncture was successful in all 23 patients (100% success rate). Postoperative clinical symptoms improved rapidly; the visual analog scale score for local pain decreased by ≥ 50% within 1.6 ± 0.1 days, swelling began to resolve after 2.3 ± 0.2 days, and the times for body temperature and the white blood cell count to return to normal were 3.3 ± 0.2 days and 5.0 ± 0.3 days, respectively. The most common infection site was the neck space. The positive rate of pus culture was 82.6% (19/23), with Gram-positive bacteria predominating, and Streptococcus was cultured most often (21.7%). No major complications, such as vascular or nerve injuries, occurred.

Conclusion Ultrasound-guided drainage has the advantages of precision, minimal invasiveness, and safety in treating maxillofacial space infections. This approach effectively promotes rapid relief of clinical symptoms and is worthy of clinical promotion.

Keywords: ultrasound, drainage, maxillofacial, infection, minimally invasive treatment