Tuberculous osteomyelitis of the mandible

Area of Science:

• Infectious Diseases
• Osteomyelitis
• Craniofacial Surgery

Background:

• Tuberculosis (TB) can affect any body part, but craniofacial bone involvement is uncommon.
• Mycobacterial infections rarely present as multiple draining skin sinuses from affected bone.

Observation:

• A 19-year-old male presented with persistent pus discharge from multiple facial sinuses.
• The condition was diagnosed as tubercular osteomyelitis of the left mandibular body.

Findings:

• This case represents a rare instance of tuberculosis affecting the mandible.
• The infection led to the formation of multiple draining sinuses in the facial and submandibular regions.

Implications:

• Clinicians should suspect mycobacterial infection in chronic maxillofacial infections.
• Early suspicion and diagnosis are crucial for managing rare presentations of tuberculosis.