A Pathological Fracture of the Mandible due to Osteomyelitis following a Full Dental Clearance

Dent Update. 2016 Mar;43(2):168-70, 173, 175. doi: 10.12968/denu.2016.43.2.168.

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.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Bone Plates
  • Cutaneous Fistula / etiology
  • Debridement / methods
  • Dental Fistula / etiology
  • Female
  • Fracture Fixation, Internal / instrumentation
  • Fracture Fixation, Internal / methods
  • Fractures, Spontaneous / etiology*
  • Humans
  • Mandibular Diseases / microbiology*
  • Mandibular Fractures / etiology*
  • Middle Aged
  • Osteomyelitis / complications*
  • Streptococcal Infections / diagnosis
  • Streptococcus milleri Group / isolation & purification
  • Tooth Extraction / adverse effects*