Abstract
The radiographic appearance of chronic mandibular osteomyelitis displays variable change and may be altered by the process of treatment. Two cases of chronic osteomyelitis of long standing were reported which displayed remarkable change in radiographs.
Case 1: 57-year-old woman. Radiographic examination, at her first visit, showed diffuse sclerotic bone in right side of her mandible. After 7 months, sclerotic change was spreaded to left side. The progress and its response to treatment were observed by frequent radiographic examinations. Two years later, radiographic picture displayed return to almost normal trabecular bone pattern.
Case 2: 32-year-old man. At first visit, partial osteolytic spots with entire sclerotic appearance was observed in right mandibular ramus area. After curettage, lytic change was once disappeared. But porotic change appeared predominently at same region. Further radiographic examinations and treatment was needed in this case after a period of about 4 years observation.
The radiographic picture of chronic osteomyelitis of long standing varied from region to region at the same stage. At times it was observed that destruction of bone progressed radiographically in spite of asymptomatic clinical sign. It was also discussed about the radiographic evidence of healing process of osteomyelitis and about useful radiographic techniques to be selected during its long course.
