Osteomyelitis Flashcards
What is osteomyelitis?
Infection of the bone
How can infections spread to the bone and cause osteomyelitis?
Haematogenous spread
Direct inoculation - e.g. following an open fracture or penetrating injury
Direct spread from a nearby infection
What are some risk factors for osteomyelitis?
Diabetes mellitus
Immunosupression - e.g. long term steroid treatment
Alcohol excess
IV drug use
How does osteomyelitis present?
Severe pain in affected region
Low grade fever
Possible history of trauma
Site tender with swelling and erythema
*in diabetic foot the pain may be absent due to peripheral neuropathy
What investigations are done for osteomyelitis?
Bloods
Blood cultures
X-RAYS are often done but often don;t show much
MRI imaging - osteopenia, periosteal thickening etc.
Bone biopsy at debridement - gold standard diagnosis
