Infection in bone and joints Flashcards
What is infection in bone known as
Osteomyelitis. Acute or chronic. Specific (e.g. TB) or non-specific (most common)
Who is usually affected with acute osteomyelitis?
Mostly children (different ages). Boys > girls. History of trauma (minor). Other disease/factors: diabetes, RA, immune compromise, long-term steroid treatment, sickle cell.
How is the infection spread in acute osteomyelitis?
Haematogenous spread –children and elderly. Local spread from contiguous site of infection – trauma (open fracture), bone surgery (ORIF: open reduction internal fixation), joint replacement. Secondary to vascular insufficiency.
What may be sources of infection in infants, children and adult in acute osteomyelitis?
Infants: infected umbilical cord. In children: boils, tonsillitis, skin abrasions. In adults: UTI, arterial line.
What organisms are seen in acute osteomyelitis in infants <1 year?
Staph aureus, Group B streptococci, E. coli.
What organisms are seen in acute osteomyelitis in older children?
Staph aureus, Strep pyogenes, haemophilus influenzae
What organisms are seen in acute osteomyelitis in adults?
Staph aureus. Coagulase –ve staphylococci (prostheses), Propionibacterium spp (prostheses). Mycobacterium tuberculosis. Pseudomonas aeruginosa (esp. secondary to penetrating foot injuries, IVDAs)
Where does acute osteomyelitis usually affect?
Long bones – metaphysis: distal femur, proximal tibia, proximal humerus. Joints with intra-articular metaphysis – hip, elbow (radial head).
Describe the pathology of acute osteomyelitis
Starts at metaphysis (maybe role of trauma). Vascular stasis (venous congestion + arterial thrombosis). Acute inflammation – increased pressure. Suppuration. Release of pressure (medulla, sub-periosteal, into joint). Necrosis of bone (sequestrum). New bone formation (involucrum). Resolution – or not (chronic osteomyelitis)
What are the clinical features of AO in infants?
May be minimal signs, or may be very ill. Failure to thrive. Possible drowsiness or irritability. Metaphyseal tenderness + swelling. Decreased ROM. Positional change. Commonest around the knee.
What are the clinical features of AO in children?
Severe pain. Reluctant to move (neighbouring joints held flexed); not weight bearing. May be tender fever (swinging pyrexia) + tachycardia. Malaise (fatigue, nausea, vomiting). Toxaemia.
What are the clinical features of AO in adults?
Primary OM seen commonly in thoracolumbar spine. Backache. History of UTI or urological procedure. Elderly, diabetic, immunocompromised.
Secondary OM much more common. Often after open fracture, surgery (esp. ORIF). Mixture of organisms.
How is acute osteomyelitis diagnosed?
- History and clinical exam (pulse + temp)
- FBC + WBC (neutrophil leucocytosis); ESR, CRP; U&Es (ill, dehydrated)
- Blood cultures x3
- Bone biopsy
- Imaging Ix
What imaging investigations are taken for acute osteomyelitis?
- X-ray (normal in first 10-14 days)
- Ultrasound
- Aspiration
- Isotope Bone scan (Tc-99, Gallium-67)
- Labelled white cell scan (indium-111)
- MRI
How do you manage acute osteomyelitis?
Supportive treatment for pain and dehydration – general care, analgesia. Rest and splintage. Antibiotics – empirical (Flucloxacillin + BenzylPenicillin) while waiting (IV/oral). Surgery.