Osteomyelitis Flashcards
What is osteomyelitis?
infection of the bone leading to inflammation, necrosis + new bone formation. Can be acute, subacute or chronic.
Name 3 causative organisms of osteomyelitis
Staphylococcus aureus
Group A Streptococcus
Mycobacterium tuberculosis
Describe the pathogenesis of osteomyelitis
Bacterial infection from indirect inoculation from skin (e.g. trauma, operative, chronic skin ulcers, haematogenous spread)
List 6 risk factors for osteomyelitis
Diabetes Immunosuppression Trauma IV drug use Prostheses Sickle-cell anaemia
Describe the epidemiology of osteomyelitis
Mostly in YOUNG CHILDREN
< 20% of cases are in adults
List 5 symptoms of osteomyelitis
Pain in the affected area Fever Malaise Rigors Hx of preceding skin lesion, sore throat, trauma or operation
How may presentation of osteomyelitis differ in infants?
may not show localising signs
List 6 signs of osteomyelitis
Localised erythema
Tenderness
Swelling
Warmth
Painful/limited movement of affected limb
Seropurulent discharge from an associated wound or ulcer
What investigations are performed in osteomyelitis?
FBC: high WCC, ESR, CRP
Blood culture
Swabs of wound or discharge
X-ray: Cortical thickening + osteopenia
MRI/ bone scan: confirms dx + identifies abscess