Osteomyelitis of the Jaws

Osteomyelitis of the jaws

Osteomyelitis of the jaws is an infectious inflammatory disease that affects all elements of the bone tissue of the jaw.

There are the following forms of osteomyelitis of the jaws:

1. Hematogenous osteomyelitis - develops when an infection occurs through the hematogenous route.

2. Traumatic osteomyelitis - develops after trauma to the maxillofacial area.

3. Odontogenic osteomyelitis is the most common form, developing from foci of odontogenic infection (carious cavities, inflamed dental pulp, periodontitis).

The causative agents of osteomyelitis of the jaws are most often streptococci, staphylococci, and anaerobic microorganisms. The infection penetrates into the bone from foci of odontogenic infection through lymphatic and blood vessels, as well as through bone canaliculi.

Clinical manifestations of acute osteomyelitis of the jaws:

1. Spontaneous throbbing jaw pain, headache

2. High temperature (up to 40°C)

3. Chills, weakness

4. Asymmetric swelling of the soft tissues of the face

5. Hyperemia and swelling of the transitional fold

6. Enlargement and tenderness of regional lymph nodes

7. Purulent exudate from periodontal pockets

Diagnosis of osteomyelitis includes x-rays of the jaws, blood tests (leukocytosis, increased ESR).

Treatment of osteomyelitis of the jaws is complex - surgical intervention, antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, desensitizing therapy.

In the chronic course of osteomyelitis, the formation of bone sequesters, fistulas, and jaw deformation is possible. Treatment of chronic osteomyelitis is long-term and often requires surgical removal of sequesters and necrotic tissue.

The prognosis depends on the timeliness of treatment. If treatment is not timely, serious complications may develop - mediastinitis, thrombophlebitis of the facial veins, meningitis.