A pathological fracture of the mandible due to osteomyelitis following a full dental clearance

Abstract

Orofacial infections following dental extractions are a common referral to an oral and maxillofacial department as an emergency, especially when combined with swelling and limited mouth opening. The case presented demonstrates a rare complication of chronic suppurative osteomyelitis with bilateral pathological fractures of the mandible, which occurred following a staged dental clearance. CPD/Clinical Relevance: Dental extractions are one of the most common treatments carried out by oral surgeons and general dental practitioners. This case highlights a rare but encountered complication of routine oral surgery and demonstrates when it is necessary to make an immediate referral to the local oral and maxillofacial surgery unit.

Successful conservative management of pathological mandibular fracture resulting from chronic osteomyelitis in a 90‐year‐old woman

“…Once infection spreads into the marrow, the blood supply to the area is reduced, which results in bone necrosis. 19,20 In this case, mandibular osteomyelitis was caused by pericoronitis around the wisdom tooth, and treatment with parenteral β-lactam antibiotics was started on the basis of results of nonrandomized clinical trials. 21 After a good clinical response, treatment was switched quickly to oral preparations because of concern about the adverse effects of long-term systemic antibiotic treatment.…”

“…The jawbone is unique among other bones in the human body in that it contains teeth. Once infection spreads into the marrow, the blood supply to the area is reduced, which results in bone necrosis 19,20 . In this case, mandibular osteomyelitis was caused by pericoronitis around the wisdom tooth, and treatment with parenteral β‐lactam antibiotics was started on the basis of results of nonrandomized clinical trials 21 .…”