Oral Manifestations of Osteopetrosis

Osteopetrosis is a hereditary disorder of bone characterized by sclerosis of bone and decreased marrow spaces. Due to depressed marrow function, this disorder can cause anemia, hepatosplenomegaly, recurrent infections and osteomyelitis of jaw. Excessive bone deposition in skull base leads to narrowing of foramina and cranial nerve compression. Bone marrow transplantation is the only curative treatment. Other treatments, like interferon gamma, corticosteroids, parathormone and erythropoietin are also used for management. Transfusion of blood, debridement of wound and antibiotics is used to manage complications. Due to its rarity, it is always difficult to diagnose osteopetrosis. Proper diagnosis and treatment decreases the long-term sequelae of the disease.