Osteomyelitis of the Mandible Secondary to Osteopetrosis: A Case Report

Abstract

Osteopetrosis is a rare genetic bone dysplasia that develops secondary to defective activity of osteoclasts in bone resorption and remodelling functions. Osteomyelitis of the mandible can be seen as a complication in patients with osteopetrosis because of impaired bone vascularity and its management could be difficult. In this study, we reported a 10-year-old girl with osteopetrosis who presented with jaw swelling and was treated for osteomyelitis of the mandible in our department. Based on the current literature, we pointed to osteomyelitis of the mandible, which is a rare complication of osteopetrosis, with diagnostic and therapeutic features.

Keywords

• osteopetrosis
• osteomyelitis
• mandible