Zygoma osteomyelitis: a case report

Chronic osteomyelitis is inflammation of the bone along with the medullary cavity and Haversian system. Occurrence of chronic osteomyelitis in the zygoma is rare. This article is to report a case of 68 year old female diagnosed with left zygoma osteomyelitis. Computed tomography (CT) facial skeleton revealed features suggestive of chronic osteomyelitis. Surgical debridement was done with broad spectrum antibiotics coverage. Histopathological examination confirmed the diagnosis. This case describes atypical presentation of chronic osteomyelitis and its management. The article also focuses on the various aetiologies of chronic osteomyelitis and the factors influencing the extent of spread of the disease. Various treatment strategies with respect to the surgical management and medications used have also been elaborated. Other instances of chronic osteomyelitis localised to the head and neck region shed a light on the future of a higher quality and wholesome treatment protocol, whether it be bacterial, tubercular or fungal. Trauma induced and postoperative, as well as radiotherapy induced osteomyelitis require more of a protocol for prevention of further complications, osteomyelitis being one of highly morbid conditions affecting these sets of patients.