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Osteomyelitis - Frequently Asked Questions


1. Who treats Osteomyelitis?

Osteomyelitis is treated by an orthopaedic surgeon, but it should be managed by a multidisciplinary team including infectious disease specialists, surgeons and reconstructive surgeons along with microbiologists.

2. What is Brodie abscess?

A localized, well circumscribed, sub acute or a chronic presentation of osteomyelitis in the long bones is Brodie s abscess. The radiologic appearance can be misleading, hence cultures and histology are a very important part of diagnosis.

3. How does osteomyelitis of the jaws occur?

Osteomyelitis of the jaws is distinct; it occurs in healthy adults, is localized, is associated with periodontal infection and is often caused by anaerobic bacteria. Besides periodontal infection, jaw fractures and penetrating injuries can be causative factors too. Chronic osteomyelitis of the jaw can occur with tuberculosis, actinomycosis and syphilis. Unique to the jaw is also osteomyelitis associated with sclerosis.

4. What is a sequestrum?

The dead bone which is seen within the infected living bone, as is seen in osteomyelitis is called sequestrum.

5. What is an involucrum?

The new bone formation in the area of osteomyelitis is a result of periosteal stimulation called an involucrum.

6. What are the complications of Osteomyelitis?

Complications of osteomyelitis include pathologic fractures, sepsis, or squamous cell carcinoma in the sinus tract.

Complications of tuberculous osteomyelitis are tuberculous arthritis, sinus tract formation and psoas abscess.
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7. What are the prognostic outcomes in Osteomyelitis?

The outcomes vary depending on the involved bone, the causative factors, underlying disease and the management protocol.

8. Can Osteomyelitis be prevented?

Yes, it can be prevented in some patients by practicing strict infection control methods, especially before surgery.

Awareness of the sites of infection and immediate eradication of the infection can help; for example in diabetics; persistent infections which do not cause pain are initially ignored for a significant amount of time.

Protecting the feet and wearing the right footwear also helps immensely in preventing infections of the feet in diabetic patients.
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