Osteomyelitis

Question 1

What is Osteomyelitis?

Answer 1

Infection of the bone and the bone marrow

Question 2

What is the commonest cause of osteomyelitis?

Answer 2

Staphylococcus Aureus

Question 3

What is the commonest cause of osteomyelitis with a history of sickle cell anaemia?

Answer 3

Salmonella

Question 4

What part of the bone is affected in osteomyelitis?

Answer 4

Metaphysis

Question 5

How does osteomyelitis present?

Answer 5

• Limp/reluctant to weight bear
• Non-specific site of infecition
• Malaise and fatigue (fever is septic arthritis)

Question 6

What are the main risk factors of osteomyelitis?

Answer 6

• Immunocompromised- Diabetes
• Sickle cell anaemia- caused by salmonella
• Open fracture
• Recent injury
• IV drug use

Question 7

How is osteomyelitis diagnosed?

Answer 7

• MRI
• Full blood count- white blood cells (inflammatory markers)
• Erythrocyte sedimentation rate, rise in inflammatory conditions

Question 8

What is the management of osteomyelitis if no penicillin allergy?

Answer 8

Flucloxacillin and rifampicin if not allergic to penicillin

Question 9

What is the management of osteomyelitis if penicillin allergy?

Answer 9

Clindamycin and fusidic acid if penicillin allergic