Osteomyelitis

Question 1

What is osteomyelitis?

Answer 1

Inflammation of the bone and bone marrow (caused by infection)

Question 2

What typically causes osteomyelitis?

Answer 2

Bacterial infection (Staph aureus)

Question 3

Give three risk factors for osteomyelitis

Answer 3

• Open fracture
• Orthopaedic surgery
• Diabetes (particularly with diabetic foot ulcers)

Question 4

Describe the typical clinical features of osteomyelitis

Answer 4

5 cardinal signs of inflammation:

• Pain
• Red
• Hot
• Swelling
• Loss of function

And associated systemic symptoms e.g. fever

Question 5

What is the diagnostic investigation for osteomyelitis?

Answer 5

MRI

Question 6

Can XR be used to diagnose osteomyelitis?

Answer 6

XR may not show any changes in osteomyelitis, particularly in early disease, therefore cannot be used to exclude a diagnosis of osteomyelitis

Question 7

Describe the medical and surgical options for management of osteomyelitis

Answer 7

Medical:
- Antibiotics (usually prolonged course, e.g. 6 weeks)

Surgical:
- Debridement of infected bone and tissues