Osteomyelitis

Question 1

What does the prefix ‘osteo-‘ refer to?

Answer 1

Bone

Question 2

What does the prefix ‘myelo-‘ refer to?

Answer 2

Marrow

Question 3

What does the suffix ‘-itis’ indicate?

Answer 3

Inflammation

Question 4

What is osteomyelitis?

Answer 4

A bacterial infection of the bone marrow, resulting in necrosis and hence bone weakness

Question 5

What are common symptoms of osteomyelitis?

Answer 5

Severe bone pain, swelling, redness, warmth

Question 6

When does the pain from osteomyelitis often worsen?

Answer 6

At night

Question 7

What is the primary bacterial cause of osteomyelitis?

Answer 7

Staphylococcus aureus

Question 8

How can a bacterial infection reach the bone in osteomyelitis?

Answer 8

Through the blood supply or post-fracture

Question 9

What factors can increase the risk of developing osteomyelitis?

Answer 9

Immunosuppression, diabetes, drug users

Question 10

What blood tests are indicative of osteomyelitis?

Answer 10

Elevated inflammatory markers (ESR / CRP) and WBCs

Question 11

Which imaging techniques are used to investigate osteomyelitis?

Answer 11

X-ray, MRI