PURPOSE: To evaluate the sinuses in the cervicofacial region and to identify the focus of infection. It is also to help the clinician in differentiating the sinuses' of odontogenic and nonodontogenic focus of infection. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The study has been conducted in 200 patients, aged between 11 and 77 years for a period of 6 and a half years at Narayana Dental College and Hospital, Nellore. History of present illness, clinical, radiological and laboratory examinations were carried out on all the patients. RESULTS: Majority of the cervical sinuses are of odontogenic origin (80%) and non-odontogenic being (20%) of the cases. CONCLUSION: The literature reveals that many cases have been misdiagnosed and inappropriately treated by many specialties of Medicine and Surgery wherein the odontogenic foci of infection is the main etiological factor for cervicofacial sinuses. A proper diagnosis is important and forms a key to the successful management of these sinuses in the head and neck region.
PURPOSE: To evaluate the sinuses in the cervicofacial region and to identify the focus of infection. It is also to help the clinician in differentiating the sinuses' of odontogenic and nonodontogenic focus of infection. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The study has been conducted in 200 patients, aged between 11 and 77 years for a period of 6 and a half years at Narayana Dental College and Hospital, Nellore. History of present illness, clinical, radiological and laboratory examinations were carried out on all the patients. RESULTS: Majority of the cervical sinuses are of odontogenic origin (80%) and non-odontogenic being (20%) of the cases. CONCLUSION: The literature reveals that many cases have been misdiagnosed and inappropriately treated by many specialties of Medicine and Surgery wherein the odontogenic foci of infection is the main etiological factor for cervicofacial sinuses. A proper diagnosis is important and forms a key to the successful management of these sinuses in the head and neck region.