Computed tomography imaging features of osteomyelitis of the jaw: comparison between antiresorptive medication-related conditions and medication-unrelated conditions

Abstract

Objectives. The aim of this study was to analyze and compare the imaging features of osteomyelitis according to the presence or absence of antiresorptive medications by using computed tomography (CT). Study Design. We retrospectively reviewed the records of 270 patients with osteomyelitis (83 males and 187 females; average age 66.6 years). CT imaging features were analyzed, and imaging and demographic features were compared between the medication-related osteomyelitis (MROM) group and the medication-unrelated osteomyelitis (MUOM) group. Results. Trabecular defects, cortical defects, sclerosis, and sequestra were detected in the majority of patients, whereas periosteal new bone formation was less common. The MROM group exhibited sequestra and periosteal new bone formation more frequently on CT images, but the size and appearance of the sequestra and type of periosteal new bone were not significantly different between the 2 groups. Conclusions: Sequestra and periosteal new bone formation were characteristic CT features of osteomyelitis more commonly found in the medication-related condition. These findings may be useful in the evaluation of osteomyelitis and medication-related osteonecrosis of the jaw.