Osteomyelitis history and symptoms
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Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1]
History and Symptoms
Generally, microorganisms may infect bone through one or more of three basic methods: via the bloodstream, contiguously from local areas of infection (as in cellulitis), or penetrating trauma, including iatrogenic causes such as joint replacements or internal fixation of fractures or root-canaled teeth. Once the bone is infected, leukocytes enter the infected area, and in their attempt to engulf the infectious organisms, release enzymes that lyse the bone. Pus spreads into the bone's blood vessels, impairing their flow, and areas of devitalized infected bone, known as sequestra, form the basis of a chronic infection. Often, the body will try to create new bone around the area of necrosis. The resulting new bone is often called an involucrum. On histologic examination, these areas of necrotic bone are the basis for distinguishing between acute osteomyelitis and chronic osteomyelitis. Osteomyelitis is an infective process which encompasses all of the bone (osseous) components, including the bone marrow. When it is chronic it can lead to bone sclerosis and deformity.
In infants, the infection can spread to the joint and cause arthritis. In children, large subperiosteal abscesses can form because the periosteum is loosely attached to the surface of the bone.
Because of the particulars of their blood supply, the tibia, femur, humerus, vertebra, the maxilla, and the mandibular bodies are especially susceptible to osteomyelitis. However, abscesses of any bone may be precipitated by trauma to the affected area. Many infections are caused by Staphylococcus aureus, a member of the normal flora found on the skin and mucous membranes.
- Hematogenous long-bone osteomyelitis
- Abrupt onset of high fever (fever is present in only 50% of neonates with osteomyelitis)
- Fatigue
- Irritability
- Malaise
- Restriction of movement (pseudoparalysis of limb in neonates)
- Local edema, erythema, and tenderness
- Hematogenous vertebral osteomyelitis
- Insidious onset
- History of an acute bacteremic episode
- May be associated with contiguous vascular insufficiency
- Local edema, erythema, and tenderness
- Failure of a young child to sit up normally2
- Chronic osteomyelitis
- Non-healing ulcer
- Sinus tract drainage
- Chronic fatigue
- Malaise