Infections of the musculoskeletal system
defination
common bone infection include osteomyelitis, soft tissue infection and joint infection
causes
blood-borne pyogenic bacteria, mainly staphylococcus aureus
pathophysiology
osteomyelitis is usually haematogenous, whereupon it is an extension of local infection from other sites
infection organism is staphylococcus aureus
the infection organisms form pus under the periosteum of the bone, blocking circulation in the bone
necrosis of affected part of the bone
infection spread to the nearest joint and surrounding tissue
medical ad surgical management
a bone abscess forms
signs and symptoms
history of infection somewhere in the body (tonsillitis or a boil even an infection wound
pyrexia
severe and constant pain
tenderness over the affected area
bone X-rays may show irregular decalcification, periosteal elevation and bone necrosis
bloods results reveal raised sedimentation rate and white cell count
immobilisation with a splint
antibiotics for infection
analgesics for pain
the affected bone is surgically opened, necrosis material removed and area drained