Osteomyelitis is a bone or bone marrow infection caused by bacteria or other germs. Infection can reach a bone by traveling through the bloodstream or spreading from nearby tissue. Within the bone, an infection can also begin after:
1. Injury
2. Bone surgery
3. An infection that has spread from elsewhere on the body
Risk factors include:
1. Diabetes
2. Smoking
3. Poor blood supply
4. Kidney failure
5. Dialysis
Chronic osteomyelitis can lead to bone hardening or deformity.
In adults, osteomyelitis most often affects the:
1. Feet
2. Spine
3. Hips
Chronic osteomyelitis may present as a recurrent or intermittent disease. The symptoms and their duration may vary considerably, whereas periods of quiescence can also be of variable duration. The incidence of relapse following an apparently ‘successful’ wound care treatment remains high, making its management challenging.
Wound Care Surgeons prompt diagnosis and aggressive management of chronic osteomyelitis are critical and improves prognosis and outcome. Osteomyelitis treatment aims to resolve the infection and restore function. Historically, lengthy antibiotic regimes have been used for its management in combination with extensive surgical wound treatment. It is generally accepted that debridement adequacy with complete excision remains the most important clinical predictor of a successful outcome.
