Chronic Osteomyelitis Following Foreign Body Entrapment in Pediatric Mandible-a Case Reprt

Area of Science:

• Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery
• Pediatric Dentistry
• Infectious Diseases

Background:

• Chronic osteomyelitis of the pediatric mandible is challenging due to foreign body entrapment.
• Habitual oral insertion of objects by children can lead to complications like discharging sinuses and osteomyelitis.
• Foreign body-induced osteomyelitis requires specific diagnostic and management strategies in pediatric patients.

Purpose of the Study:

• To present a case of pediatric mandibular osteomyelitis caused by an embedded foreign object.
• To highlight the diagnostic challenges and successful management of such cases.
• To emphasize the importance of prevention and interdisciplinary collaboration.

Main Methods:

• Case report of a 12-year-old boy with extra-oral pus discharge from the mandible.
• Diagnosis involved identifying an embedded iron nail adjacent to a carious first molar.
• Radiographic imaging was utilized for foreign object localization and diagnosis.

Main Results:

• An embedded iron nail was identified as the cause of chronic osteomyelitis.
• Prompt treatment led to successful healing of the mandibular infection.
• Long-term follow-up confirmed a positive clinical outcome.

Conclusions:

• Foreign body entrapment is a significant cause of pediatric mandibular osteomyelitis.
• Radiographic imaging is essential for diagnosing embedded foreign objects.
• Prevention through parent education, examination, and interdisciplinary care is crucial.