Osteomyelitis Flashcards
What does osteomyelitis refer to?
Inflammation in a bone and bone marrow, usually caused by bacterial infection
Most common pathogen is Staphylococcus aureus
What is the most common pathogen causing osteomyelitis?
Staphylococcus aureus
What is haematogenous osteomyelitis?
Pathogen carried through blood into bone; most common mode of infection
What is direct contamination in the context of osteomyelitis?
Direct contamination of bone, e.g., at fracture site or during an orthopaedic operation
List some risk factors for osteomyelitis.
- Open fractures
- Orthopaedic operations, especially prosthetic joints
- Diabetes, especially diabetic foot ulcers
- Peripheral arterial disease
- IV drug use
- Immunosuppression
What are typical clinical features of osteomyelitis?
- Fever
- Pain and tenderness
- Erythema
- Swelling
What imaging technique is commonly used for diagnosing osteomyelitis?
MRI scan
What blood tests are associated with osteomyelitis?
- Raised inflammatory markers (WBC, CRP, ESR)
- Blood cultures
- Bone cultures
What is the management strategy for osteomyelitis?
Combination of surgical debridement and antibiotic therapy
What is the typical duration of antibiotic therapy for osteomyelitis?
6 weeks
What is the first-line antibiotic used for osteomyelitis?
Flucloxacillin (+/- rifampicin or fusidic acid for 2 weeks)
What alternative antibiotics are used for osteomyelitis in patients with penicillin allergy?
Clindamycin
What antibiotic is used for MRSA in osteomyelitis treatment?
Vancomycin
