|
Osteomyelitis |
Details
|
Osteomyelitis is an infection of the bone which is usually resulted from bacteria, but in some cases from fungus. When a bone gets infected, the bone marrow frequently swells, the blood vessels in the bone marrow can be compressed, cutting off or lowering blood supply to the bones. Bones may get infected through 3 routes: direct invasion, bloodstream, and infection of adjacent soft tissues. Infections mostly occur in the ends of the arm and leg bone in children and in the spine of adults. Infection can also happen where a metal piece is attached to bones, as it is performed to repair fractures. In children, Osteomyelitis (bone infection) is acquired through the blood, causing fever, and later pain in infected bones. The part over the bone can be swollen and sore, and movements can be painful. Vertebrae osteomyelitis generally develops slowly producing constant back aches and tenderness when touched. Pain becomes worse with movement and is not relieved by applying heat, resting, or using analgetics. Fever is a common sign of Osteomyelitis. If a bone infection is not treated successfully, chronic osteomyelitis can develop. Commonly, chronic osteomyelitis results in bone pain, repeated infections in the soft tissues over the bones, and intermittent or constant pus drainage through the skin. A doctor diagnoses osteomyelitis based on the symptoms and findings during a physical examination. The infected part of the bone almost always appears abnormal on radionuclide scans except in infants, but it might not appear on x-rays until more than 20 days after the first symptom occurs. MRI and CT scan may also find the infected part. To distinguish osteomyelitis from other bone diseases, a physician can take a blood sample, joint fluid, bone itself, or pus. Such tests confirm osteomyelitis and identify bacteria causing it. The most common treatment of osteomyelitis for children and adults take antibiotics. Depending on severity of bone infection, antibiotics can be given intravenously. Some individuals require months of treatment. In the early stages of the disease, surgery is not necessary, but occasionally abscess is drained surgically. For adults with vertebrae osteomyelitis, the treatment consists of antibiotics combined with bed rest. Surgery might be required to drain the abscess or stabilize damaged vertebrae. If osteomyelitis is caused by adjacent soft tissue infections, the treatment is more complicated. Bone and all dead tissue are removed by a surgeon, and the empty space is filled with muscle, healthy bone, or skin. After that, the infections are treated with antibiotics. Commonly, infected artificial joints are removed and replaced. Antibiotics can be given for a few weeks before surgery, so that infected artificial joints, might be removed and a new one implanted. In rare cases, if these treatment options fail, amputation of limb or surgery to fuse the joint is needed. Osteomyelitis, caused by diabetes or poor circulation is difficult to treat only with antibiotics. Removing the infected bone may be necessary.
|
| Category |
Disease Conditions > O
|
| Related Searches |
symptoms of osteomyelitis, pathophysiology of osteomyelitis |
| Date Submitted |
13-Nov-2005
|
|
