Osteomyelitis

Question 1

Define osteomyelitis.

Answer 1

Osteomyelitis is an inflammatory condition of bone caused by an infecting organism, most commonly Staphylococcus aureus. It usually involves a single bone but may rarely affect multiple sites.

Question 2

Explain the aetiology/risk factors of osteomyelitis.

Answer 2

Penetrating injuries
Surgical contamination
Intravenous drug misuse
Diabetes mellitus
Periodontitis

Question 3

Summarise the epidemiology of osteomyelitis.

Answer 3

A study in the US showed that the overall age- and sex-adjusted annual incidence of osteomyelitis was 21.8 cases per 100,000 person-years between 1969 and 2009. The annual incidence was higher for men than for women and increased with age.

Question 4

Recognise the presenting symptoms of osteomyelitis. Recognise the signs of osteomyelitis on physical examination.

Answer 4

Non-specific pain at site of infection
Malaise and fatigue
Local inflammation, erythema, or swelling
Low-grade fever
Wound drainage
Scars, previous flaps
Reduced range of movement
Reduced sensation in diabetic foot ulcer

Question 5

Identify appropriate investigations for osteomyelitis and interpret the results.

Answer 5

WBC count
ESR
CRP
Plain x-rays of affected area