Osteomyelitis of the mandible

Abstract

Osteomyelitis (OM), by definition, is the inflammation of the bone marrow spaces. Current data points toward a process that involves not only the endosteum, but also the cortical plates and the periosteum. The incidence of OM has decreased due to the improvement on general health conditions, development of antimicrobial drugs and understanding of the etiopathogenic features. Immunosuppressive conditions or underlying bone pathologies are usually seen associated to the condition. Professionals still encounter a challenge when dealing with OM and, as the incidence of the disease decreases, so does the treatment experience of clinicians, thus the correct treatment must be done to accomplish predictable results. The mandible presents particularities mainly related to the oral environment with its distinct pathogens, different blood vessel distribution, presence of teeth and the thin mucosal lining constantly submitted to the action of trauma and foreign bodies. Therefore, treatment of mandibular OM differs from other bones. The purpose of this chapter is to review important aspects concerning the classification, etiopathogeny, diagnosis and treatment of the OM of the mandible added by the authors' experience on the issue. © 2012 by Nova Science Publishers, Inc. All rights reserved.