Non-radiation and non-drug–induced maxillary osteomyelitis: Study of underlying risk factors, presentation, management and treatment outcomes

Background Osteomyelitis of the jawbone is mostly secondary to radiation exposure or bone remodelling drugs, with the mandible being commonly involved. Maxillary osteomyelitis risk is low owing to its high vascularity. This study was undertaken to evaluate risk factors, presentation, management and outcomes of maxillary osteomyelitis caused due to reasons other than irradiation and bone remodelling drugs. Methods Patient records diagnosed with maxillary osteomyelitis were evaluated for demographic details, risk factors, clinical presentation, radiological features, treatment performed and outcomes. Results In 38 patients with non-irradiated and non-drug–induced osteomyelitis, 13 involved the maxilla, seven were localized to the posterior maxilla and 10 showed paranasal sinus involvement. Dissemination to the cavernous sinus and cerebral spread was seen in one. Clinical findings included oroantral communication, pain and draining sinus. Imaging showed diffuse bone destruction areas with or without evidence of bony sequestrum. The most common systemic risk factor was diabetes mellitus. Maxillary osteomyelitis was associated with tooth extraction in eight cases. Surgical management included debridement, sequestrectomy, functional endoscopic sinus surgery, maxillectomy and reconstruction of soft tissue defect with local and regional flaps. Complete recovery was seen in 11 patients. Mortality was seen in two patients with mucormycosis having disseminated infection. Conclusion Compared with previous literature, a relatively higher ratio of maxillary involvement was reported. Diabetes mellitus was the most common risk factor, followed by osteopetrosis and tooth extraction. Osteomyelitis secondary to mucormycosis in immunocompetent patients was relatively localized and gave favourable response to management compared with patients with diabetes mellitus.