Tuberculous osteomyelitis in the mandible of a child.

Tuberculous osteomyelitis is a specific infection caused by the acid-fast bacillus Mycobacterium tuberculosis. Involvement of the oral region is rare, especially in children. Almost all cases arise secondary to known pulmonary disease and involve the oral tissues via three routes: direct inoculation; extension from other infected sites; or hematogenous seeding. The clinical, radiologic, histologic, and therapeutic aspects of this condition are reviewed.