A prompt diagnosis of osteomyelitis (OM), or bone infection, is critical for effective treatment, prognosis, and eventual clinical outcome. Left untreated, OM can lead to major surgery or even amputation. The diagnosis can be difficult to establish and requires the coordination of infectious disease specialists, radiology, and orthopedics. Treatment may require surgical intervention by orthopedics and sometimes even eventual plastic surgery.
Acute OM is more common in children and develops within two weeks of disease onset. Subacute or chronic OM can take a month to a few months to develop, and treatment differs depending upon chronicity and the involved organism(s). Our SIS specialists have experience in treating OM in the outpatient and hospital settings, and will work in tandem with you or your hospital staff and providers to quickly diagnose and manage OM.
Symptoms and signs of OM include:
- Fever
- Lethargy (lack of energy)
- Tenderness in the involved bone
- Limited range of motion in adjacent joints
- Positive bone or blood cultures revealing bacteria
- Radiographic changes typical of OM including positive bone scan, CAT scan, and x-rays
- Leukocytosis (elevated white blood cell count) and elevations in other blood inflammation tests (like ESR and CRP)
Staphylococcus aureus is most common in patients with acute OM that spreads through the blood (hematogenous seeding). Staphylococcus epidermidis, S. aureus, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Serratia marcescens, and Escherichia coli are commonly found in patients with chronic OM.
If you would like to learn more about how IDS specialists can help you or your hospital facility with osteomyelitis diagnosis and treatment, request an appointment today online or call (833) 967-2464.
