Etiology, pathogenesis and imaging methods used in the diagnosis of osteomyelitis of the jaws

Inflammatory pathologies of the facial bones represent a difficult situation that alters both the integrity and functionality of the anatomical structures, as well as the general condition of the patients. Osteomyelitis of the jaws is the most common inflammatory bone disease in the oro-maxillo-facial region. The development of osteomyelitis is predominantly determined by the odontogenic, posttraumatic and toxic factor. Also, a significant role is due to the decrease in the body’s resistance, favoring the evolution of the destructive-necrotic process. The body’s immunosuppression is the result of the persistence of predisposing factors, such as concomitant diseases or vicious habits represented by excessive alcohol consumption or drug addiction. In order to establish the diagnosis of osteomyelitis and the treatment plan, it is necessary to use paraclinical methods, both imaging and laboratory. The most frequently used are panoramic radiography, computed tomography, and magnetic resonance imaging, which allow the determination of the infectious focus, its location and the damage in relation to the adjacent anatomical structures.