Primary Chronic Osteomyelitis (PCO) of the mandible is a nonsuppurative, chronic inflammation of uncertain pathogenesis.
Clinical findings:
(1) mandibular pain
(2) swelling
(3) paresthesia over affected area and/or lower lip
(4) trismus
Radiographic findings:
(1) radiolucent areas combined with progressive osteosclerosis
(2) laminations of periosteal bone
Histologic findings:
(1) medullary fibrosis
(2) subperiosteal reactive bone formation
(3) chronic inflammation
Differential diagnosis:
(1) chronic secondary (suppurative) osteomyelitis (typically related to dental infections)
(2) SAPHO
