5- Orthopaedic Infections

Question 1

What is osteomyelitis?

Answer 1

Infection of bone, including its marrow

Question 2

What are the main mechanisms by which bone can become infected?

Answer 2

Penetrating trauma/surgery

Haematogenous spread

Question 3

What is a sequestrum?

Answer 3

Dead segment of bone

Question 4

What is the significance clinically of sequestrums?

Answer 4

Once one develops, antibiotics will not cure infection

Question 5

Why do kids tend to get acute osteomyelitis more than adults?

Answer 5

Metaphyses have poor/slow blood flow which enables bacteria to accummulate easier

Question 6

Which organism is the commonest cause of bone infections?

Answer 6

Staph. aureus

Question 7

Chronic osteomyelitis cannot be treated by antibiotics alone. True/False?

Answer 7

True

Surgical debridement also usually required

Question 8

Which group of people are particularly at risk of osteomyelitis of the spine?

Answer 8

IV drug users
Diabetics
Immunocompromised

Question 9

List clinical features of osteomyelitis of spine

Answer 9

Constant insidious back pain
Paraspinal muscle spasm
Spinal tenderness
Systemic upset