Chronic osteomyelitis of the mandible: diagnosis and management

The purpose of this study is to retrospectively evaluate and report the factors associated with the diagnosis and management of chronic osteomyelitis of the mandible. This study is an update study for the one published in 2015.

A retrospective chart review was conducted on 20 patients (16 male, 4 female), who ranged in age from 17 to 82, from the Case Western Reserve University School of Dental Medicine from 2018 to 2024. Data included clinical and radiographic evidence as well as the treatment approach for each patient.

The majority of patients (90%) were above 40 years old with the peak diagnoses of COM occurring in the fourth and fifth decades. 85% of patients had an uneventful healing and all patients returned to normal mandibular function. All cases of segmental resection healed without complication while 76.9% cases of marginal resection healed without complication.

Chronic osteomyelitis requires a comprehensive treatment plan including antibiotic therapy, surgery, and reconstruction. Due to the recurrent and progressive nature of chronic osteomyelitis, an aggressive surgical approach has the best results in eliminating chronic osteomyelitis.