Complication following lower third molar surgery: myositis ossificans traumatica of the muscles of mastication

Abstract Trismus is a frequent post‐op sequelae of third molar surgery. A history of long‐standing post‐operative trismus warrants further investigation. Myositis ossificans traumatica (MOT), as its name implies, is ossification and bone formation within muscle following an episode of trauma. When it affects the muscles of mastication, it causes severe trismus. This rare disorder and its limited treatment options can potentially have debilitating effects to the patient's normal oral functioning and health. The following is a case report of a patient who developed MOT of the muscles of mastication following surgical exodontia of a lower wisdom tooth, the progress over a 15 year period and a review of the literature. This case demonstrates the long‐term difficulties in managing MOT of the muscles of mastication.