Objectives : To evaluate functional condition of the inferior alveolar nerve in acute odontogenic inflammatory processes of mandible by means of the stimulative electroneuromyography.

Methods : Sixty patients with acute odontogenic inflammation were examined. Patients were divided on 3 groups: The 1st group – 9 patients with acute odontogenicperiostitis of the mandible, the 2nd group – 36 patients with odontogenicabsceses and phlegmons, the 3rd group – 3 patients with acute osteomyelitis of mandible.

Results : It was demonstrated that mean value of action potential (AP) amplitude of the inferior alveolar nerve in patients of the 1st group differed from normal range and was 15.9 + 8.8 mV. Values of AP amplitude in patients of the 2nd group showed expressed neuropathy 21.5 + 13.7 mV. The same data in the 3rd group was declined up to 0.53 + 0.21 mV that is peculiar for compression and ischemic neuropathy, which can appear in significant intraosseous hypertension of the mandible and compression of neurovascular bundle in mandibular canal.

Conclusion : Inflammation (infectious) neuropathy of the inferior alveolar nerve is peculiar for acute inflammation of soft tissues while in acute osteomyelitis it has compression and ischemic origin.

Key words: acute osteomyelitis; mandible; electroneuromyography