Osteomyelitis of the jaws associatedwith osteopetrosis: case report of two sisters

Osteopetrosis is a rare metabolic bone disease caused by a congenital defect in the development or function of the osteoclasts, resulting in generalised increase in skeletal mass. Osteomyelitis is a recognised complication, and prevention of dental infections can be difficult. Osteomyelitis is typically located in the mandible; the disease can also occur in the maxilla, but only rarely. We describe two cases of osteopetrosis complicated with osteomyelitis that occurred in sisters. In one sister, osteomyelitis was located in the mandible; in the other sister, the disease occurred in the maxilla. The sisters received antibiotic treatment, as well as incision and drainage of the fluctuant areas and removal of sequestra with minimal surgical trauma, after which they both improved satisfactorily. These cases underscore the importance of screening family members of patients with osteopetrosis for early detection and appropriate intervention.