TREATMENT OF CHRONIC SUPPURATIVE OSTEOMYELITIS OF THE MANDIBLE

Chronic suppurative osteomyelitis of the mandible is often considered difficult to treat and may lead to refractory osteomyelitis. Sixteen p atients with chronic suppurative osteomyelitis of the mandible were tr eated with a relatively simple protocol, consisting of sequestrectomy or decortication and i.v. antimicrobial therapy for one week, followed by oral penicillin for three weeks. Only one case showed recurrence o f symptoms, which was treated successfully in a second session. It is concluded that combined surgical and antimicrobial therapy should be s ufficient to cure most cases of chronic suppurative osteomyelitis of t he mandible.