Myositis ossificans traumatica of masticatory muscles: A case report and review of the literature

Myositis ossificans traumatica (MOT) is a rare condition characterized by nonneoplastic, heterotopic bone formation in the masticatory muscles following acute trauma. It usually occurs between the second and seventh decades of life in both genders. Although MOT of the masticatory muscles is not frequently reported in the literature, a common clinical finding is the progressive limitation of motion in the mandible. Managing this condition can be challenging. The available evidence regarding the effectiveness of conservative management, such as physical therapy and interpositional materials, is inconclusive based on the literature. Therefore, the preferred treatment for MOT is the surgical excision of the osseous mass. Under general anesthesia, the calcified muscle is completely removed. Surgical excision often leads to remission, although some patients may experience recurrent episodes. The purpose of this article is to review and discuss cases of MOT of masticatory muscles reported from 2014 to date. In addition to this literature review, we report a rare case involving a 9-year-old boy with recurring MOT of the right medial pterygoid muscles. The boy had a history of receiving a right-side mandibular nerve block injection and subsequently experienced a gradual decrease in the maximum incisal opening.