Pathological mandibular angle fracture: Spontaneous healing in a case of osteomyelitis after third molar extraction

Abstract

Late pathological fractures of the mandible associated with the extraction of an impacted third molar and osteomyelitis of the jaw feature rarely in the scientific literature. Indeed, most information on the subject is to be found in the form of case reports. Fractures of this kind may occur in regions where the bone has weakened because of an underlying pathological process, which has developed slowly. Predisposing factors of this complication are believed to be multifactorial but, in the older age group, reduced bone elasticity, bone atrophy, risk of osteoporosis, and potential of tooth ankylosis can weaken the mandible, possibly increasing the rate of fractures. In this study, we report a case of chronic osteomyelitis with a mandibular angle fracture in an elderly male as a rare complication of an odontogenic cystic lesion associated with the extraction of a mandibular third molar. Spontaneous healing occurred with the use of an antibiotic therapy until the second surgical intervention. Attention is focused on the possible risk indicators and preventive measures.