osteomyelitis
Pronunciation: os-tee-oh-my-eh-LY-tis
Infection of bone tissue, commonly affecting the mandible in oral maxillofacial surgery.
Full Definition
Osteomyelitis is an inflammatory condition of bone caused by bacterial infection, most commonly Staphylococcus aureus or Streptococcus species. In oral maxillofacial surgery, osteomyelitis typically affects the mandible and may result from dental infections, trauma, or as a complication of surgical procedures. The condition can be acute or chronic, with chronic osteomyelitis being more challenging to treat and potentially requiring extensive surgical debridement. Diagnosis involves clinical evaluation, imaging studies, and sometimes bone biopsy. Treatment typically includes long-term antibiotic therapy combined with surgical removal of necrotic bone tissue when necessary.
Usage
Usage note: Specify acute versus chronic and document causative organisms when known.
In Context
- "Chronic osteomyelitis of the mandible required aggressive surgical debridement and long-term antibiotics." — Treatment plan documentation
- "MRI findings were consistent with acute osteomyelitis involving the left posterior mandible." — Diagnostic imaging report