Osteomyelitis: Acute and Chronic Forms
-Etiology: Periapical abscess is most often the cause of acute form. Specific bacteria involved such as staphylococci, actinoyces, and streptococci. Chronic form may be caused by long-term inflammatory reaction from some stimulus such as systemic disease.
- Method of transmission: several infectious organisms involved.
- Characteristics: Acute may not produce the destruction that the chronic form produces. In chronic form, more evidence patches of necrotic bone and diffuses radiolucent lesions are seen, and the lesions appear more mottled, with a sclerotic appearance on the radiograph.
- Dental implications: May have pain and lymphadenopathy. Correct antibiotic is needed to treat the infection. Laboratory tests is crucial.
- Treatment and Prognosis: drainage and antibiotics are needed to treat acute. Chronic form is more difficult to manage because of necrosis. Surgery is indicated with antibiotic coverage. Acute, antibiotics are effected, but chronic, surgery, antibiotics, and drainage.
- Citation: Delong, Burkhart textbook, pg 471