Osteomyelitis

Acute Osteomyelitis of the Jaws — Potential Sources of
Infection

Peri-apical infection
A periodontal pocket involved in a fracture
Acute gingivitis or pericoronitis (even more rarely)
Penetrating, contaminated injuries (open fractures or
gunshot wounds)

Important Predisposing Conditions for Osteomyelitis

Local Damage to / Disease of the Jaws
Fractures, including gunshot wounds
Radiation damage
Paget’s disease
Osteopetrosis

Impaired Immune Defences

Acute leukaemia
Poorly-controlled diabetes mellitus
Sickle cell anaemia
Chronic alcoholism or malnutrition
AIDS

Infection from micro-organisms with great virulence.
In such cases, even a peri-apical abscess may be
implicated in osteomyelitis.

Acute Osteomyelitis of the Jaws — Key Features

Mandible mainly affected, usually in adult males
Infection of dental origin – anærobes are important
Pain and swelling of jaw
Teeth in the area are tender; gingivæ (gums) are red
and swollen
Sometimes paræsthesia of the lip
Minimal systemic upset
After about 10 days, X-rays show ‘moth-eaten’
pattern of bone destruction
Good response to prompt antibiotic treatment and
debridement