Chronic Suppurative Osteomyelitis of the Jaws

Abstract

Sixty-four patients treated at the University College Hospital, Ibadan were analysed. The objective was to evaluate the effect of the duration and sight distribution of CSO on the out come of treatment. The commonest aetiological was dental abscess. A total of 53 (82.8%) of the teeth associated with the aetiology of CSO wee molar teeth. The duration of CSO ranged from 2 to 96months with a mean of 25.8, standard deviation 20.8 and median of 20. The mandible was involved in 59 (92.2%) and the maxilla in (5) 7.8% patients. The result suggest that the longer the duration of the lesion, the greater the segments of the jaws to be affected (P<0.05). It also implied that previous treatment received by the patients were either inadequate or ineffective in inhibiting the disease. Forty-seven (73.5%) of the site distribution were in segments bearing the molar teeth or the segment of closest proximity. Teeth- related aetiological factors were the major causes of CSO. The types of surgery performed were sequestrectomy 26 (40.6%) and 38 (59.4%) had decortication and saucerisation. In conclusion, the duration of CSO and the site distribution affected treatment outcome. The longer the duration of the lesion, the greater the probability of a less favorable outcome of treatment. Furthermore, CSO affecting multiple segments of the jaw was more difficult to treat than when a single segment of the jaw was involved.



Key Words: Osteomyelitis; Suppurative, Chronic; Mandible; Maxilla; Jaw.


[Mary Slessor Jnl of Medicine Vol.3(1) 2003: 35-38]