What is Osteomyelitis (Acute and Chronic)

Osteomyelitis occurs when the bone becomes infected; pus is produced within the bone, which may result in an abscess. The abscess then starves the bone of its blood supply. In children, the long bones are the most likely to be affected. In adults, the vertebrae and the pelvis are most commonly affected. Bone infection can be caused by bacteria or by fungus.

Statistics on Osteomyelitis (Acute and Chronic)

The incidence of osteomyelitis is approximately 2 in 10,000 people.

Risk Factors for Osteomyelitis (Acute and Chronic)

Risk factors are recent trauma, diabetes, hemodialysis, and intravenous drug abuse. People who have had their spleen removed are also at higher risk for osteomyelitis.

Progression of Osteomyelitis (Acute and Chronic)

Staphylococcus is the organism responsible for 90% of cases of acute osteomyelitis. Other organisms include Haemophilus influenzae and salmonella; infection with the latter may occur as a complication of sickle cell anaemia.

How is Osteomyelitis (Acute and Chronic) Diagnosed?

A physical examination shows bone tenderness and possibly swelling and redness.

Prognosis of Osteomyelitis (Acute and Chronic)

Diagnosis and treatment within a few days carries a good prognosis. Delayed treatment leads to chronic osteomyelitis.

How is Osteomyelitis (Acute and Chronic) Treated?

Treatment of osteomyelitis is with immobilization and antibiotic therapy with flucloxacillin and fusidic acid. Surgical drainage and removal of dead bone, as its presence prevents healing, (sequestrum) may be possible but recurrence is common.

Osteomyelitis (Acute and Chronic) References

  1. Kumar P, Clark M. CLINICAL MEDICINE. WB Saunders 2002 Pg 557
  2. http://health.yahoo.com
  3. VeriMed Healthcare Network
  4. MEDLINE Plus

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