A Novel Injection Technique to the Lateral Pterygoid Muscle for Temporomandibular Disorders: A Cadaveric Study

BACKGROUND: Lateral pterygoid muscle activity is associated with the pathological mechanisms of some temporomandibular disorders. The authors aimed to define and demonstrate a novel, practical, and safe technique for botulinum toxin type A injection to the lateral pterygoid muscle based on their findings. Their secondary aims were to standardize the injection pattern according to the variations of the lateral pterygoid muscle and its surrounding anatomical structures, and to establish its advantages over intraoral injection. METHODS: Twenty cadaver heads were dissected. The lateral pterygoid muscle and its surrounding structures were investigated for anatomical variations. Based on these findings, a standardized extraoral injection protocol was defined and compared with the intraoral technique for accuracy and safety. RESULTS: The average depth of the lateral pterygoid plate from the skin surface was 49.9 ± 2.2 mm, and the mean width of the lateral pterygoid plate was 10.5 ± 3.9 mm. The extraoral injection approach based on the location of the maxillary tuberosity, tragus, and lateral pterygoid plate was consistent in all dissections for the accuracy of the intramuscular injection. In the intraoral approach, standardization of the entry point of the needle through the oral mucosa is difficult, which makes adjustment of the depth of the injection challenging while increasing the risk of neurovascular injury. CONCLUSIONS: The clinical significance of the lateral pterygoid muscle makes it worthwhile to implement minimally invasive treatments before considering more invasive options. The authors define a safe, accurate, and reliable approach with ease of administration in patients with temporomandibular disorders.