Myositis ossificans traumatica of temporalis and medial pterygoid muscle

Myositis ossificans is a rare disease that is characterized by bone deposition in the muscle or soft tissues. Myositis ossificans of the masticatory muscles is an uncommon finding. The condition is benign and results in heterotopic bone formation in the muscles of mastication, usually producing limitation of opening of the jaws. It is important to know the exact cause of the limitation of opening of the jaws for successful treatment. Computed tomographic scan and panoramic radiographs along with histological findings are essential diagnostic aids for evaluating conditions such as myositis ossificans. A rare case of myositis ossificans traumatica of temporalis and medial pterygoid muscle is presented here along with the discussion of clinical, radiological and histological features. The present case emphasizes not only on the importance of considering myositis ossificans in the differential diagnosis of limitation of opening of the jaws but also on the improvement of the overall mouth opening and treatment results.