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The Moth-Eaten Mandible: Osteomyelitis
1Department of Oral Health Practice, University of Kentucky College of Dentistry, Lexington, KY, USA.
Ear, Nose, & Throat Journal
|May 18, 2021
Summary
Osteomyelitis of the jaw can mimic malignancy on X-rays but often has a dental origin and causes bone sclerosis. Computed tomography is key for differentiating these inflammatory lesions from cancer by showing bone changes.
Area of Science:
- Oral and Maxillofacial Radiology
- Oncologic Imaging
- Bone Pathology
Background:
- Osteomyelitis of the jaw can present with radiographic features similar to malignant tumors.
- Differentiating inflammatory jaw lesions from malignancy is crucial for appropriate patient management.
Purpose of the Study:
- To highlight the key radiographic differences between inflammatory jaw lesions, such as osteomyelitis, and malignancy.
- To emphasize the role of computed tomography in the differential diagnosis of jaw lesions.
Main Methods:
- Review of radiographic features distinguishing inflammatory bone reactions from malignant infiltration.
- Evaluation of computed tomography's utility in identifying specific signs like sequestra and periosteal new bone formation.
Main Results:
- Inflammatory lesions often have a demonstrable dental cause and stimulate a sclerotic bone reaction, unlike malignancy.
- Computed tomography effectively delineates sequestra and periosteal new bone, aiding differential diagnosis.
Conclusions:
- Radiographic features, including dental etiology and bone reaction patterns, help differentiate jaw osteomyelitis from malignancy.
- Computed tomography is the preferred imaging modality for evaluating these complex jaw lesions due to its superior visualization of osseous changes.
