Case Report: Extensive Osteomyelitis of the Craniofacial Skeleton Following Operative Fracture Treatment

Area of Science:

• Infectious Diseases
• Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery
• Otolaryngology

Background:

• Osteomyelitis, a severe bone infection, is rare due to antibiotics but can arise from trauma and non-compliance.
• Craniofacial osteomyelitis presents unique challenges, particularly when associated with prior trauma and incomplete surgical management.
• Patient non-compliance and chronic conditions can exacerbate the severity of infectious bone diseases.

Purpose of the Study:

• To present a case of severe craniofacial osteomyelitis following trauma and surgery.
• To discuss the management of osteomyelitis in a non-compliant patient with chronic diseases.
• To analyze factors contributing to the clinical presentation and outcomes.

Main Methods:

• Case report detailing a patient with craniofacial osteomyelitis.
• Diagnostic procedures including laboratory analysis and imaging.
• Treatment involved antibiotic therapy and surgical debridement.

Main Results:

• A severe case of craniofacial osteomyelitis developed as a complication of trauma and surgery.
• Despite severe local findings, inflammatory markers were not significantly elevated.
• Effective treatment combining antibiotics and surgery led to improved patient condition and local findings.

Conclusions:

• Craniofacial osteomyelitis can be a severe complication of facial bone surgery.
• Communication between the frontal sinus and soft tissues may have prevented endocranial spread.
• A combination of prompt diagnostics, antibiotic therapy, and surgical intervention is crucial for managing severe osteomyelitis.