Osteomyelitis

Question 1

What is osteomyelitis?

Answer 1

Inflammation of bone marrow often due to infection

Question 2

Which part of the bone contains the growth plate?

Answer 2

Metaphysis

Question 3

Where does bone ossify?

Answer 3

Diaphysis and epiphysis

Question 4

Why is the metaphysis a common site of infection

Answer 4

Its highly vascular

Question 5

Route of infection: haematogenous

Answer 5

via bloodstream

Question 6

Route of infection: direct extension

Answer 6

from an adjacent infected tissue or joint

Question 7

Route of infection: direct implantation

Answer 7

following trauma or surgery

Question 8

Common surgeries that cause osteomyelitis

Answer 8

Joint replacement
Fracture fixation
Bone tumour removal
Bone graft insertion

Question 9

Why can trauma cause osteomyelitis

Answer 9

Open fractures expose bone and vasculature

Question 10

Predisposing factors to osteomyelitis

Answer 10

diabetes (ulcers, ischaemia and neuropathy)
peripheral vascular disease
immunosuppression

Question 11

Causes of osteomyelitis: Secondary to contiguous infection

Answer 11

Hand infections involving bone

Deep abscesses spreading to cervical vertebrae

Infected burns or pressure sores

Question 12

Symptoms of osteomyelitis

Answer 12

Fever
Chills
Malaise
Pain and tenderness
Swelling
Erythema
Warmth
Restricted movement

Question 13

Pathophysiology of osteomyelitis in children

Answer 13

Most common route: haematogenous

Bacteria travel in bloodstream and localise in metaphysis

infection may extend through cortex and lift the periosteum = sequestrum (dead bone) and involucrum (new bone formation)