Osteomyelitis of Mandible in Chronic Alcoholic - A Post Extraction Complication

Osteomyelitis is inflammation of bone and bone marrow that develops in jaws usually after chronic infection. It is rarely seen in healthy individuals. Patients with chronic infections in jaws where inflammatory response is impaired are prone to develop this condition. Therefore there is high risk of developing osteomyelitis in these immuno-compromised patients. Patients with chronic disease are prone to bacterial infection and succumb to death due to septicemia and pneumonia. In maxillofacial region so far there is only one case reported in literature about osteomyelitis as post extraction complication in alcoholic. A case of osteomyelitis of mandible in chronic alcoholic is discussed with clinical features, investigations and treatment along with role of alcohol in immuno-suppression. In the present case alcohol induced immuno- suppression was predisposing factor in development of osteomyelitis. This case report highlights how alcohol has profound modulatory effect on immune system