Infection of the neck spaces: a present day complication

Although advances in antibiotic therapy have made adult neck space infections an uncommon event, it is essential to bear them in mind when treating oro-dental and oro-pharyngeal sepsis, as they can often progress with life threatening sequelae. Three cases of neck space infection as a consequence of dental infection, pharyngitis and peritonsillar abscess are presented. The management of a potentially compromised airway is of paramount importance in the immediate treatment of neck space sepsis.