Related Experiment Video
Updated: Dec 25, 2025
Pseudofracture: An Acute Peripheral Tissue Trauma Model
Published on: April 18, 2011
Facial trauma followed by osteomyelitis - Case report
Gabriela Caovilla Felin1, Cassian Taparello2, Vinicios Fornari2
1Department of Oral Surgery, Faculty of Dentistry, University of Passo Fundo, Passo Fundo, RS, Brazil.
Introduction:
Osteomyelitis is an inflammatory-infectious state that may involve trabecular bone, cortical bone, bone marrow and periosteum. The source of the infection may be hematogenic, acquired from an adjoining infectious focus or by direct inoculation into the bone. Its treatment involves antibiotic administration and surgery, but its management remains challenging.
Presentation Of Case:
A 76-year-old male patient with a history of car accident 3 months earlier sought hospital care with nasal fracture and loss of substance in the right frontotemporal region, where a pectoral muscle free graft was performed to reconstruct the facial defect. The grafted region had hyperemic edges, necrotic appearance, purulent discharge and bone exposure in the nasal dorsum. The initial diagnostic hypothesis was an infectious process due to graft rejection, with likely evolution to osteomyelitis. The surgical procedure was performed by a multidisciplinary team and the patient received the antibiotic regimen according to the antibiogram, with hospital discharge after 39 days of hospitalization.
Discussion:
Treatment of osteomyelitis requires the combination of antimicrobial therapy and surgery. Despite surgical and chemotherapeutic advances, it is a difficult condition to treat and there is no universally accepted protocol for treatment.
Conclusion:
Surgical treatment was essential for stabilization of the condition. Due to the complexity of this type of infection in the craniofacial region, planning and execution must be carried out through a multidisciplinary team.
Insights
Osteomyelitis, a challenging bone infection, requires combined antibiotic and surgical treatment. This case highlights the critical role of a multidisciplinary team in managing complex craniofacial infections post-trauma.
Area of Science:
- Infectious Diseases
- Surgical Reconstruction
- Osteomyelitis Management
Background:
- Osteomyelitis is a complex inflammatory bone infection with varied origins, often requiring both antibiotics and surgery.
- Despite advances, osteomyelitis management remains challenging due to its difficult-to-treat nature and lack of universal protocols.
Observation:
- A 76-year-old male presented with signs of graft rejection and potential osteomyelitis after facial reconstruction surgery.
- Clinical signs included hyperemic edges, necrotic appearance, purulent discharge, and exposed bone in the nasal dorsum.
Findings:
- The patient received a tailored antibiotic regimen based on antibiogram results.
- Surgical intervention was crucial for stabilizing the craniofacial infection.
Implications:
- This case underscores the necessity of a multidisciplinary team approach for complex craniofacial osteomyelitis.
- Effective management hinges on the integration of antimicrobial therapy and surgical expertise.
More Related Videos
09:09Treatment with Vancomycin Loaded Calcium Sulphate and Autogenous Bone in an Improved Rabbit Model of Bone Infection
Published on: March 14, 2019
07:35Creating Rigidly Stabilized Fractures for Assessing Intramembranous Ossification, Distraction Osteogenesis, or Healing of Critical Sized Defects
Published on: April 11, 2012