Osteomyelitis Developing in Fracture After Tooth Extraction in the Mandible of Patient with Osteopetrosis

Abstract

The case report aims to present a clinical and radiographic feature of osteomyelitis developing in a fracture line after tooth extraction in the mandible of a patient with osteopetrosis. A 49-year-old female patient was admitted to our clinic with complaint a pain and swelling in the right side of the face. It was learned that tooth extraction was performed about 3-year ago, then two fracture lines developed in the relevant region. During medical anamnesis, it was learned that the patient had osteopetrosis. Extraoral examination revealed a wide-diffuse swelling and an extraoral fistula in the right mandibular/submandibular region. Intraoral examination was shown a red and inflamed area. Radiographic examination was showed mostly a well-defined osteolytic lesion involving bone-sequestrum. The patient was consulted to the otolaryngology clinic for treatment and diagnosed with chronic osteomyelitis. Tooth extraction should be avoided in patients with osteopetrosis because of the risk of jaw fracture and osteomyelitis.