Primary tuberculous osteomyelitis of the mandible: A rare case report

Abstract

Tuberculosis (TB) has become a rare disease in the developed countries but it is still a seriousproblem in developing countries. Incidence of tuberculous osteomyelitis of the jaw bones is verylow. This rare incidence is the primary reason that this lesion gets mis‑diagnosed many times. Herewe report the diagnosis, treatment and follow‑up of a case, which is a classical presentation oftuberculous osteomyelitis of mandible. Primary tuberculous osteomyelitis is a very rare entity butin the recent times, increased incidence of TB as a coinfection of HIV, has posed a big challenge indeveloping countries. If not diagnosed, at the right time, this can lead to serious complications likeinternal organ damage, tuberculous meningitis etc., Early diagnosis of tuberculous osteomyelitis will certainly reduce the morbidity of this disease condition.

Key Words:Osteomyelitis mandible, primary tuberculosis, tuberculous osteomyelitis