Condylar osteomyelitis is a long-standing infection of the condylar head of the mandible. The chronic progression of this disease can lead to the destruction of surrounding bony structures and can ultimately affect function. Currently, in English Literature, there have been few cases published on condylar osteomyelitis. Interestingly, regardless of proximity, there have only been two other reported cases of condylar osteomyelitis subsequent to extractions of the upper maxillary third molar. We report a case of a 27-year-old female who presented with an acute episode of condylar osteomyelitis after a simple extraction of an upper left third molar. Several courses of antibiotics did not alleviate her severe trismus, paresthesia, or extensive preauricular collection. Three surgical interventions showed negative growth on numerous swabs. However, CT scans and an MRI confirmed extensive osteomyelitis along the left head, neck, and the angle of the mandible. Following inpatient IV antibiotics, the patient was discharged with a PICC line to allow for long-term treatment. An improvement in function, pain, and swelling was seen on discharge. However, due to the nature of this disease she was monitored for 2 years and due to joint collapse has been listed for alloplastic replacement.
Keywords: Abscess; TMJ; condylar; dental; extraction; osteomyelitis.
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