Osteomyelitis of the mandible. An initial feature in late-onset osteopetrosis.

Osteopetrosis is a rare disease that may be seen with numerous disorders referable to the head and neck. It occurs in both a malignant and a benign form. The benign form is consistent with a long life span and, when clinically manifest, often does so as osteomyelitis of the mandible. An awareness of this association greatly simplifies diagnosis through standard osseous roentgenograms. The findings of osteopetrosis so characteristic on standard osseous roentgenograms may be inapparent if only mandibular roentgenograms are obtained.