Osteomyelitis (Acute and Chronic)

What is Osteomyelitis?
Statistics on Osteomyelitis
Risk Factors for Osteomyelitis
Progression of Osteomyelitis
How is Osteomyelitis Diagnosed?
Prognosis of Osteomyelitis
How is Osteomyelitis Treated?
Osteomyelitis References
Drugs/Products Associated with Osteomyelitis

What is Osteomyelitis?

Osteomyelitis occurs when the bone becomes infected; pus is produced within the bone, which may result in an abscess. The abscess then starves the bone of its blood supply. In children, the long bones are the most likely to be affected. In adults, the vertebrae and the pelvis are most commonly affected. Bone infection can be caused by bacteria or by fungus.

Statistics on Osteomyelitis

The incidence of osteomyelitis is approximately 2 in 10,000 people.

Risk Factors for Osteomyelitis

Risk factors are recent trauma, diabetes, hemodialysis, and intravenous drug abuse. People who have had their spleen removed are also at higher risk for osteomyelitis.

Progression of Osteomyelitis

Staphylococcus is the organism responsible for 90% of cases of acute osteomyelitis. Other organisms include Haemophilus influenzae and salmonella; infection with the latter may occur as a complication of sickle cell anaemia.

How is Osteomyelitis Diagnosed?

A physical examination shows bone tenderness and possibly swelling and redness.

Prognosis of Osteomyelitis

Diagnosis and treatment within a few days carries a good prognosis. Delayed treatment leads to chronic osteomyelitis.

How is Osteomyelitis Treated?

Treatment of osteomyelitis is with immobilization and antibiotic therapy with flucloxacillin and fusidic acid. Surgical drainage and removal of dead bone, as its presence prevents healing, (sequestrum) may be possible but recurrence is common.