[A swelling at the mandibular angle during occlusion].

Area of Science:

• Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery
• Musculoskeletal Disorders

Background:

• Unilateral swelling at the mandibular angle during occlusion can present diagnostic challenges.
• Understanding the anatomy and potential pathologies of the masseter muscle is crucial for accurate diagnosis.

Observation:

• An 18-year-old male presented with spontaneous, unilateral swelling at the mandibular angle during jaw clenching (occlusion).
• The patient reported no prior history of such swelling or other associated symptoms.

Findings:

• Diagnostic assessment confirmed the swelling as a partial rupture of the masseter muscle fascia.
• This condition represents a rare cause of acute, localized swelling in the temporomandibular region.

Implications:

• Conservative management, avoiding surgical intervention, can be effective for partial masseter muscle fascia ruptures.
• This case underscores the importance of considering soft tissue injuries, such as muscle fascia tears, in the differential diagnosis of mandibular swelling.