Osteomyelitis Flashcards
What is the most commonly affected bones by osteomyelitis
Vertebrae in adults
Long bones in children
What are the most common causative organisms
Common causative organisms include S. aureus (most common), Streptococci, Enterobacteur spp., H. Influnzae, P. aeruginosa (especially in intravenous drug users), and Salmonella spp. (especially in patients with sickle cell disease)
What is the pathophysiology of osteomyelitis
Bacteria enter the bone tissue
They express adhesins that bind to the host tissue and produce a polysaccharide extracellular matrix
Through this they are able to propagate and spread and seed further into the bone
In chronic cases - lead to devascularisation of the affected bone,
Causing necrosis => causes floating piece of dead bone called a sequestrum - abx cannot target this as its avascular
what are the risk factors of getting osteomyelitis
DM
immunosuppression (such as long term steroid treatment or AIDS), alcohol excess, or intravenous drug use.
