Periostitis ossificans of the mandible. The value of computed tomography

Periostitis ossificans in the mandible of a 9-year-old girl was assessed by means of computed tomography. Impaired mandibular function was the most consistent clinical sign and led on to referral for suspicion of a temporomandibular joint disease. Her symptoms improved with antibiotic therapy over a period of 2 months. During this time follow-up computed tomography demonstrated a more or less complete resolution of the new bone formation. The aetiology of the periostitis was considered non-dental due to haematogeneous spread from a pharyngitis.