Osteomyelitis of the jaw is a disease in which infection and inflammation of the jaw bone occurs under the influence of internal or external factors. Sharp acute, subacute and chronic forms of the disease, as well as depending on the localization of the pathological process - osteomyelitis of the upper and lower jaws.
Causes of osteomyelitis of the jaw
Osteomyelitis of the upper or lower jaw can develop due to the following factors:
- diseases of the gums and teeth (odontogenic osteomyelitis of the jaws) - caries, pulpitis, periodontitis;
- acute infectious diseases (tonsillitis, diphtheria, scarlet fever );
- chronic infectious diseases ( sinusitis , tonsillitis);
- injuries of the jaws (fractures, injuries).
Penetrating into bone tissue, the infection causes purulent-necrotic processes. The causative agents of the disease are most often such microorganisms as staphylococci, streptococci, less often - pneumococcus, E. coli, typhoid rod, etc. Pathogenic microflora enters the bone tissue of the jaws from foci of infection located in other parts of the body or from the external environment (for example, when using poorly sterilized medical equipment).
Symptoms of acute jaw osteomyelitis
The disease begins with the following manifestations:
- severe pains in the affected jaw, radiating to the temple, ear, orbit;
- general malaise;
- increase in body temperature to 39-40 ° C;
- chills.
A little later, the face swelling, enlargement of the lymph nodes in the neck, limitation of mouth opening, headache, sleep and appetite disorders join in to these symptoms. There is an unpleasant, putrid smell from the mouth. In acute odontogenic osteomyelitis of the lower jaw, numbness of the lower lip and chin (Vincent's symptom), soreness in swallowing is noted.
Symptoms of subacute osteomyelitis of the jaw
With subacute osteomyelitis, a fistula is formed and an outflow of inflammatory fluid and pus is created. The patient feels temporary relief, but the pathological process does not stop, bone destruction continues. As a rule, subacute osteomyelitis of the jaw develops 3-4 weeks after the onset of the disease.
Symptoms of chronic osteomyelitis of the jaw
The chronic stage of the disease is characterized by a prolonged course. During the period of remission, there is an improvement in general condition, a decrease in swelling, and a decrease in pain. When chronic osteomyelitis of the jaw on the skin or the mucous membrane of the mouth, purulent fistulas periodically open, bone sextures (dead bone fragments) can escape.
Treatment of osteomyelitis of the jaw
When diagnosing acute osteomyelitis of the jaw, the patient is urgently sent to the inpatient department.
First of all, the treatment is aimed at eliminating a purulent-inflammatory focus in the bone tissue and surrounding soft tissues. For this, surgical methods are used. If the source of the infection is a sick tooth, then it is removed. In the presence of peri-jaw phlegmon and abscesses, soft tissue is dissected and the wound drained. In addition, measures are being taken to correct the disturbed functions of the body caused by the disease. In addition to surgical treatment, antibacterial and anti-inflammatory drug therapy is prescribed.
If the occurrence of osteomyelitis is associated with another infectious disease, then treatment is directed at eliminating the latter, for which both conservative and surgical methods of treatment are used. In addition, detoxification and restorative therapy is carried out, various physiotherapeutic procedures are prescribed.