Generality
Osteomyelitis is an infectious process that affects the bones and bone marrow simultaneously. The infection is caused by bacteria that induce pus production, such as staphylococci and streptococci.
Osteomyelitis is most often localized in the shoulder and knee, and more generally in bones rich in spongy tissue and therefore richly vascularized.
Diagnosis uses instrumental tests such as bone scan and magnetic resonance imaging. By injecting the patient with leukocytes traced with radioactive material, but not dangerous for his health, the marked white blood cells go to concentrate in the bone areas affected by osteomyelitis; a subsequent radiograph will then be able to localize the infectious process, since the regions rich in marked leukocytes will appear as a "hyper-transparent area.
Causes
The microorganisms responsible for osteomyelitis can colonize the bone and its marrow following a severe (exposed) bill, a surgery performed in poor hygiene conditions, a deep cut wound, or migrate from an infectious focus through blood flow (tonsillitis, ear infections, pharyngitis, boils).
We remind you that a fracture is defined as exposed when there is a laceration of the skin and external exposure of the bone; to prevent the appearance of a form of chronic osteomyelitis, immediate treatment in a surgical environment is necessary. dress the wound, then cover it with sterile gauze or clean tissue; in any case, the exposed bone fragments should never be moved.
Symptoms
For further information: Osteomyelitis Symptoms
Acute osteomyelitis begins with severe pain exacerbated by pressure, reduced mobility of the affected segment, fever, redness and swelling; skin fistulas may sometimes appear from which pus leaks.
Chronic osteomyelitis can arise as a consequence of the acute process or begin almost imperceptibly; tuberculosis and syphilis are occasional causes.
Care
The treatment of osteomyelitis is based on antibiotic therapy, often drastic and prolonged over time, possibly associated with analgesics to control pain. The first therapeutic approach involves the administration of broad-spectrum antibiotics, ie active against all pathogens; antibiotic therapy will be performed in a targeted manner, after evaluating the results of laboratory tests performed to identify the bacterial species responsible for the infection.
In chronic cases it may be necessary to resort to surgery to remove the infected pathological material. This is because, if it is not eradicated in time, osteomyelitis could cause bone shortening and the appearance of skeletal deformities.
Medicines for the treatment of "Osteomyelitis"
