Osteomyelitis of the maxilla with associated vertical root fracture and Pseudomonas infection

Osteomyelitis of the maxilla is not often found. A rare case of this condition secondary to a chronic vertical root fracture of a maxillary lateral incisor, with Pseudomonas aeruginosa as the primary pathogen, is presented. Interesting features of this case report are the occurrence of osteomyelitis in the maxilla, the rare isolate of P. aeruginosa, and the clinical problems associated with the diagnosis of vertical root fractures. The combination of surgical, endodontic, and antimicrobial therapy used is described.