Diffuse sclerosing osteomyelitis of the mandible: A case‐report following the treatment over a 12‐year period

Abstract

Diffuse sclerosing osteomyelitis (DSO) is a rare inflammatory disease of the bone with a poorly understood aetiology. We present a case of a 26-year-old female with DSO, who has been living with this condition for over 12 years. Many different therapies have been used to attempt to manage her symptoms. She is currently taking oral alendronic acid when she is symptomatic. This case report demonstrates the complexity of managing cases of DSO, as we focus on the multiple treatment modalities used in this case and the response to these. Many cases in literature discuss the use of intravenous bisphosphonates, however, this is linked with a higher risk of medically related osteonecrosis of the jaw. In addition to other reported case studies and research, this case provides further evidence to support the use of oral bisphosphonates in the management of DSO.