Essay On Chronic Osteomyelitis

What once was considered an incurable condition, osteomyelitis is inflammation of bone or bone marrow caused by infection. The infection can start in the bone by spreading from nearby tissue or traveling through the bloodstream. This infection can also develop in the bone itself if the bone is exposed to germs in any way. Osteomyelitis can be classified as chronic or acute and the treatment for both depends on many factors. Acute osteomyelitis usually occurs in children. It comes on quickly but is easier to treat and overall turns out better than chronic osteomyelitis. In children, acute osteomyelitis occurs in arm or leg bones. It normally occurs a break in the skin from a trauma, surgery, or skin ulceration from wounds. As for adults, osteomyelitis can be acute or chronic. People with diabetes, HIV, or peripheral vascular disease are more likely to contract chronic osteomyelitis. Chronic osteomyelitis has a
To diagnose this disease the doctor will start by getting a complete medical history and do physical exam. While getting the persons medical history, the doctor will ask questions about recent infections, including the entire body, medication usage, as well as family medical history. In the physical exam the doctor will look for areas of tenderness, redness, swelling, decreased or painful range of motion, and open sores. Depending on what the doctor sees during the physical exam, blood tests may be ordered. The blood tests are not looking specifically for osteomyelitis but they can show if there might be an infection in the body. Imaging studies may also be ordered. X-rays, CT scans, MRIs, ultrasounds, and bone scans can help identify changes in the bone. If or when an area of a bone is identified to possibly have osteomyelitis, a biopsy of the bone may be taken to help determine which bacteria is infecting the bone. The culture of the bacteria will help in the decision for the best choice in antibiotic