Osteomyelitis of the Jaw Bones: Classification

A variety of classification systems exist for the classification of osteomyelitis, some of which are inconsistent with each other.

Zurich classification:

Osteomyelitis acute (17%) → 4 weeks → secondary chronic (70%).
  • Neonatal (“pertaining to the newborn”)/associated with dental germs
  • Trauma (injury)/fracture (broken bone)
  • Odontogenic (tooth-related)
  • Induced by foreign body/transplant/implant
  • Associated with bony pathology and/or systemic disease
  • Not to be classified
Osteomyelitis primary chronic (10 %)
  • Early onset
  • Adult onset
  • Associated with syndromes

Historically evolved designations

Diffuse sclerosing osteomyelitis (DSO) – course without acute stage, hence classification as and synonym for primary chronic osteomyelitis

Florid osseous dysplasia (FOD) – bone pathology in the form of sclerosis (proliferation of connective tissue) mostly only of the alveolar processes; thus to be considered a local risk factor rather than a form of osteomyelitis

Juvenile chronic osteomyelitis (synonym: Garrés osteomyelitis) – classified by some authors as an early-onset form of primary chronic osteomyelitis.