Infectious diseases Flashcards
What is osteomyelitis ?
Bacterial or fungal infection of the bone that can be acute or chronic.
What are the features of chronic vs acute infection in osteomyelitis ?
Acute infection features
Fever/pain/swelling and erythema of the affected site
Chronic infection features
Long history of pain and risk factors present as well as persistently draining sinus tract or wound.
What are the risk factors for the development of chronic osteomyelitis ?
- DM
- PVD
- Malnutrition
- Immunosuppression
- Malignancy
- Age extremes
What is used for definitive diagnosis in osteomyelitis ?
Bone biopsy
How long is acute osteomyelitis treated for ?
12 weeks
How long is chronic osteomyelitis treated for ?
3-6 weeks but treatment is often delayed untill cultures have come back
What is the empirical ABx used in the treatment of osteomyelitis ?
Flucoxacillin + fusidic acid/rifampicin.
Clindamycin if penicillin allergic.
What is used (ABx to treat MRSA) osteomyelitis ?
Vancomycin
What is the mainstay of treatment for chronic osteomyelitis ?
Debridement
What is present on MRI in osteomyelitis ?
Periosteal elevation
What is the imaging modality of choice in osteomyelitis ?
MRI
