Author: Mathew Alex / Editor: Steve Corry-Bass / Reviewer: Ashwin Prasad Shanmugam / Codes: MaC1, MaP2, SLO1 / Published: 08/04/2023
A 70-year-old gentleman presented to the Emergency Department (ED) with pain in left lower jaw, worsening over the last 3 days. He self-presented to the ED as he now has difficulty in opening his mouth, a foul taste and swallowing his saliva.
Clinical examination revealed that he was drooling and had difficulty in articulating words. His Heart Rate was 120/min and BP: 110/90. He was breathing at 22/min and room air Saturations of 94%. Temperature in the ED was 38.4oC.
You notice an obvious lump around his left lower jaw and his mouth opening is limited to one finger breadth. He mentions that he has had radiotherapy for tongue cancer a month ago.
Fig.1
7 responses
Common presentation to A&E
Fairly straight forward presentation. I wonder how common is the osteoradionecrosis of mandible in post RT patients and in those taking long term bisphosphonates
common problem in ED
Very comprehensive and useful presentation in ED
Helpful module. Unfortunately we see a lot of recurrent abscess managed with “oral antibiotics and discharge” rather than definitive drainage.
common case
Great Revision