Osteomyelitis

Question 1

Causes of osteomyelitis

Answer 1

• Staphylococcus aureus (most common)
• Streptococcus
• E. coli
• Pseudomonas aeruginosa
• Salmonella

Question 2

Definition of osteomyelitis

Answer 2

• Inflammation of bone or bone marrow, usually due to infection

Question 3

Risk factors for osteomyelitis

Answer 3

• Vascular disease
• Penetrating injury/trauma
• DM
• IVDU
• Immunosuppression
• Surgical contamination

Question 4

Investigation and management of osteomyelitis

Answer 4

• Investigations
  
  • Inflammatory markers (i.e. CRP, ESR, WCC - raised)
  • Positive blood cultures
  • X-ray (changes take 10-14 days, haziness, reduced bone density, sub-periosteal reaction)
  • MRI
• Management
  
  • IV antibiotics
  • Drain abscesses and remove sequestra
  • Analgesia