A Simple Guide to Osteomyelitis

A Simple Guide to Osteomyelitis
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What is Osteomyelitis?
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Osteomyelitis is an infection of the bone substance by pyogenic bacteria and fungus.


What causes Osteomyelitis?
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The most causes of Osteomyelitis is

1.Staphylococcus aureus bacteria(80%).

Other bacteria involved are:

2.Streptococci Group A & B

3.Enterobacter species including E.Coli

4.Haemophilus influenzae

5.Pneumococci

6.Serratia marcescens

Systemic mycotic (fungal) infections may also cause osteomyelitis.

1.Blastomyces dermatitidis

2.Coccidioides immitis.

In children,
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1.the long bones are usually affected in children.

2.Spread of bacteria occurs from the bloodstream from a skin boil, dental abscess, direct injury to the bone.

3.Acute osteomyelitis almost invariably occurs in children.

In adults
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1.injury to the bone is the most common cause.

The bone injury is exposed to local infection in the skin or environment.

Staphylococcus aureus is the most common bacteria in osteomyelitis resulting from bone injury and infection.

Other bacteria such as Pseudomonas aeruginosa, E. coli, and Serratia marcescens, are also common.

2.The vertebrae and the pelvis are the bones most commonly affected in adults.

For osteomyelitis of the vertebral bodies,
50% are due to Staphylococcus aureus,
and the remaining 50%f are due to tuberculosis usually from the lungs.

3.Bone infection in adults are usually due to their lower resistance from

debilitation,
intravenous drug abuse,
infectious root-canal teeth,
other disease or drugs (e.g. immunosuppressive therapy).


What are the symptoms of Osteomyelitis?
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Symptoms:
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1.pain and swelling of the bone

2.fever

3.toxemia

Signs:
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1.Hot tender bones

2.Throbbing pain of bones

3.Abscess and swelling


How do you made the diagnosis of Osteomyelitis?
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Diagnosis of osteomyelitis is often based on:

1.radiologic results showing a translucent center with a ring of sclerosis(hardened bones)

2.Blood and bone cultures are normally required to identify the specific pathogen


What are the complications of Osteomyelitis?
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The complications of Osteomyelitis are:

1.fractures of the bone

2.amyloidosis

3.endocarditis

4.septicemia


What is the treatment of Osteomyelitis?
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1.antibiotic therapy - usually as prolonged treatment lasting a matter of weeks or months.

2.Hyperbaric oxygen therapy has helped in the treatment of refractory osteomyelitis.

3.Immobilization of the bone affected(bed rest, plaster casts,splints)

4.Osteomyelitis may also need surgical debridement to remove pus and damaged bone tissues.

5.Severe cases may lead to the loss of a limb.


What is the prognosis of Osteomyelitis?
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Prognosis depends on the rapidity of onset of treatment.

The faster the treatment the faster thee cure.

Otherwise the condition may become a chronic illness requiring multiple surgical procedures.