Open AccessNeuralgia-inducing cavitational osteonecrosis in a patient seeking dental implants
Author(s) -
Yazad Gandhi,
US Pal,
Nidhi Singh
Publication year - 2012
Publication title -
national journal of maxillofacial surgery
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
eISSN - 2229-3418
pISSN - 0975-5950
DOI - 10.4103/0975-5950.102173
Subject(s) - medicine , groin , lesion , surgery , osteonecrosis of the jaw , trigeminal neuralgia , head and neck , bisphosphonate , osteoporosis , pathology
NICO (Neuralgia-Inducing Cavitational Osteonecrosis) is one of the jawbone versions of ischemic osteonecrosis, a common disease affecting any bone but with special affinity for those of the hips, knees and face. By definition, NICO is associated with pain. Osteonecrosis itself may or may not be painful. It may or may not affect multiple sites. It is a problem of poor blood flow through the marrow Patients can trace the onset of their pain subsequent to one or more extractions, perhaps decades ago. Notably, if patients had infections following their extractions or even dry sockets, there was a greater likelihood of NICO development. NICO's can refer pain across the midline; that is, a lesion in the right jaw can cause pain on the left side of the face, head, neck or body. Yes, NICO's can refer pain to various areas of the body, including the neck, arms and hands, legs and feet, groin.