Which muscle is a risk factor for postoperative space infection after a surgical procedure?

The genioglossus muscle is an important structure to consider in the context of postoperative space infection, particularly in surgical procedures involving the oral cavity or surrounding anatomical regions. This muscle is positioned in the floor of the mouth and is primarily responsible for tongue movement, which plays a critical role in maintaining airway patency and proper swallowing.

During surgical procedures, especially those that involve manipulation of the floor of the mouth or submandibular area, the genioglossus may be affected. If the surgery disrupts the normal integrity of the tissues around this muscle, it could create a pathway for bacteria or other pathogens to invade deeper tissues, leading to infection in the space surrounding the muscle.

The other muscles mentioned—masseter, temporalis, and orbicularis oris—play different roles and are located in areas that do not typically pose the same level of risk for postoperative infections specific to the surgical procedures associated with the genioglossus. The masseter and temporalis are primarily involved in mastication, while the orbicularis oris is involved in actions related to the lips. Their anatomical positions and functions are less directly linked to potential infectious complications that could arise following interventions in the submandibular or oral cavity regions.