The term osteomyelitis literally means inflammation of bone marrow. It is described as an inflammatory condition of bone primarily engaging the medullary cavity extending to the periosteum. Following circulatory collapse and ischemia, the involved portions of the bone become
necrotic.
Cellulitis and osteomyelitis are the most frequent complications of fractures of the mandible and maxilla, because there is an abscessed tooth in the line of fracture. Since most fractures are compound fractures, infection may develop because of contact with oral secretions or outside air.
The treatment of chronic osteomyelitis is still under debate. Some authors rely on antibiotics alone, while others advocate combination with surgery. But when infection occurs, establish proper drainage and administer antibiotics
Author treated a case of infected mandibular fracture with mandibular osteotomy, sequestrectomy, iliac bone graft and hyperbaric oxygen therapy, who had suffered suppurative osteomyelitis and mandibular nonunion following the open reduction of the mandibular fracture.
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