Acute Osteomyelitis | Medical Science Optional Notes for UPSC PDF Download

Acute Osteomyelitis - Etiology

• The primary causative agent in acute osteomyelitis is Staph aureus.
• Other responsible organisms include Streptococcus and pneumococcus, Mycobacterium tuberculosis, E. coli (in children), and anaerobes (in cases of trauma).
• Salmonella is associated with osteomyelitis in individuals with sickle cell anemia.
• The most common site affected is the lower femoral metaphysis.

Acute Osteomyelitis - Pathogenesis

Acute Osteomyelitis- Histopathology

• In acute osteomyelitis, there is evidence of bacteria, polymorphonuclear leukocytes, and congested, thrombosed blood vessels.
• Chronic osteomyelitis is characterized by necrotic bone, the presence of granulation and fibrous tissues, minimal bacterial presence, and the absence of living osteocytes.

Acute Osteomyelitis - Complications

Key complications include:
(i) Septicemia and pyemia
(ii) Septic arthritis
(iii) Chronic osteomyelitis (most prevalent complication)
(iv) Metastatic infection spreading to other bones, serous cavities, lungs, or the brain.
(v) Pathological fracture
(vi) Disrupted growth due to damage to the epiphyseal growth plate.

Complications specific to chronic osteomyelitis encompass sinus tract malignancy and soft tissue contractures.

Acute Osteomyelitis - Repeats 

1. Give the aetiopathogenesis and gross and microscopic features of acute osteomyelitis. (2012) 
2. Describe the pathological changes and complications of Acute Osteomyelitis. (2014)