Distraction osteogenesis cure mandibular bone defect caused by osteomyelitis following fracture surgery: a case report and literature review

Abstract Background: Osteomyelitis secondary to mandibular fracture surgery and 3rd molar extraction is rare and thoroughly sequestrum curettage is the best means to treat this type of mandibular osteomyelitis. But sometimes it can cause bone defects. Many methods can be taken to cure bone defects and distraction osteogenesis (DO) is an available modality without a donor site. Case presentation: Here we report a case that a middle-aged man undergoes a car accident that causes mandibular angle and Le Fort Ⅱ fracture. Mandibular angle osteomyelitis occurs two weeks after open reduction with internal fixation.The patient is in hospital for the second time and undergoes segmental resection and DO concurrently. Thereafter high-quality bone formation and good occlusion are achieved in the follow-up. Conclusions: DO can cure mandibular bone defect secondary to osteomyelitis.