Lecture 3: Misc MSK Injuries Flashcards
Essentials of diagnosis of Osteomyelitis (4)
- Fever with bone pain and tenderness
- (+) blood cultures
- Elevated ESR/CRP
- Early radiographs are typically negative, esp within 2 weeks
Trending ESR and CRP is much better than WBC due to chronicity
What are the etiologies of osteomyelitis? (3)
- Hematogenous spread
- Contiguous spread
- Secondary infection d/t vascular insufficiency or neuropathy
Who is hematogenous osteomyelitis MC in? Where exactly?
Children, esp males, in the metaphysis of their long bones
MC primary sites of hematogenous osteomyelitis? (5)
- Urinary tract
- Skin/soft tissue
- IV sites
- Endocardium
- Dentition
Staph
Biggest RFs for hematogenous osteomyelitis (3)
- IVDU
- Diabetes
- IVs
Also similar for spinal epidural abscesses
Who is contiguous spread osteomyelitis MC in and how?
Adults, usually post fracture/open wound (diabetic ulcers)
Most commonly polymicrobial
How does osteomyelitis present? (4)
- Gradual onset of S/S
- Dull pain at site, fever and rigors
- Tenderness, warmth, erythema, swelling on exam
- Probing for bone is recommended if ulcer is present
How does vertebral involvement of osteomyelitis present?
- Much slower onset
- Localized pain/tenderness
- Pain with percussion over affected area
- Neurologic symptoms in 1/3 of pts
Dx of osteomyelitis
- Early XR: maybe swelling, loss of tissue planes, periarticular demineralization of bones
- Later XR: Periosteal thickening or elevation, bone cortex irregularity
- Ideal: CT or MRI, which is highly sensitive
Children: 5-7d for changes
Adults: 10-14d for changes
When is CT/MRI indicated for osteomyelitis evaluation?
- Onset < 2 weeks at presentation
- XR neg but clinical presentation is sus
- (+) neuro findings on exam
MRI is especially good for feet
Nuclear is alternative.
Who is bone biopsy indicated in for osteomyelitis?
Any patient with radiologic evidence without (+) blood cultures.
Do not delay biopsy due to abx use.
What would histology show for a positive bone biopsy for osteomyelitis?
Necrotic bone with extensive resorption adjacent to an inflammatory exudate
Must collect through an uninfected site if percutaneous.
Empiric ABX for osteomyelitis
MRSA and G- coverage: Vanco + 3rd/4th gen cephalosporin
Typically only used in long-bone infections
How long is staph osteomyelitis?
4 weeks
If you want to transition a pt to PO abx for osteomyelitis, what is the combo?
After 2 weeks of IV agents at minimum, you can use Levofloxacin/ciprofloxacin + rifampin
When is debridement indicated for osteomyelitis? (4)
- Infection related to open fx or surgical hardware
- Extensive disease
- Concomitant joint infection
- Recurrent/persistent infection
Persistent elevation of what labs over 2 weeks with appropriate ABX is suggestive of a persistent osteomyelitis infection?
ESR/CRP
What are the complications of osteomyelitis? (3)
- Pathological fx
- Chronic
- Impaired bone growth
What is chronic osteomyelitis?
Bone infection over months-years resulting in the development of a sequestrum +/- sinus tract
bone sequestrated/trapped
What is an involucrum?
Bone formation in areas where the periosteum was damaged
Where is chronic osteomyelitis MC in? (3)
- Sternal
- Mandibular
- Feet
How does chronic osteomyelitis present? (4)
- Pain, erythema, swelling
- +/- draining sinus tract
- fever usually not present
- bone palpation is positive
How do labs differ between chronic vs acute osteomyelitis?
Leukocytosis and ESR/CRP are rarely elevated in chronic.
What is a marjolin ulcer?
Epithelium of the sinus tract develops squamous cell carcinoma
Management of chronic osteomyelitis (3)
- Debridement
- Obliteration of dead space
- Long-term ABX therapy
What is compartment syndrome?
Increased pressure within a limited space compromises the circulation and function of the muscles and nerves within that space
What are the 4 compartments of the lower leg?
- Anterior
- Lateral
- Superficial posterior
- Deep posterior
MC location for compartment is lower leg
What is normal compartment pressure and how long can we tolerate increased pressure?
- 10mm is normal, but we can tolerate up to 20 without damage.
- After around 8h, we start developing neuropathy.
- After around 12h, myocytes die and we develop contractures.