Abstract
In the case of chronic osteomyelitis of the mandible, systemic treatment may not be effective because of chronic ischemia of the diseased bone. Septopal chain consists of PMMA (polymethylmethacrylate) beads (∅=7mm) containing gentamicin. By the use of the Septopal chain, gentamicin is slowly released from PMMA and a high local concentration of antibiotics is achieved without systemic toxic side effects.
Four patients with chronic osteomyelitis of the mandible were treated using the Septopal chain in our clinic in 1988. Our operative procedure is as follows : 1) Decortication and sequestrectomy : Buccal sclerosing cortical bone and sequester were removed, 2) Temporary implantation of Septopal chain, 3) Reoperation : 2, 3 weeks or 5 months after surgery, Septopal chain was removed or exchanged for a new one. Follow-up periods ranged from 8 to 15 months, and all patients had good results.
