OSTEOMYELITIS

Question 1

classic presentation

Answer 1

• children: male b/w 2-12 yrs with fever and edema, erythema and tenderness in affected area.
• adults: greater than 50 yrs occurs after injury, surgery or trauma

Question 2

similar DDX’s

Answer 2

• meningitis
• ewing sarcoma
• osteosarcoma

Question 3

supporting factors

Answer 3

• pain and tenderness in the infected area
• inflammation, redness, warmth
• fever, chills and excessive swelling
• nausea
• lower back pain
• “sausage toes”

Question 4

refuting factors

Answer 4

• no fever
• not young or old
• antibiotics don’t help

Question 5

referrals

Answer 5

• x-rays, MRI for bone scan to check the diseases anatomic extent
• GP for antibiotics for 4-6 weeks

Question 6

contraindications

Answer 6

• do not adjust while infected

Question 7

prognosis

Answer 7

• if affects growth plates in children, growth development may be impacted