Osteomyelitis An Update 2007

Description: Osteomyelitis encompasses a spectrum of bone infections in which treatment, diagnosis, and associated morbidities depend on the characteristics of the patient, the organism involved, and the site of infection. The organism responsible for most types of osteomyelitis is Staphylococcus aureus. Osteomyelitis affects thousands of Americans every year and is a source of morbidity and mortality in young and old patients. The 3 major forms of osteomyelitis are acute or hematogenously spread osteomyelitis; contiguously spread osteomyelitis without vascular insufficiency; and contiguously spread, often leading to chronic, osteomyelitis with vascular insufficiency. Among the wide array of diagnostic tools available, some methods have stronger empiric support. Culture-driven therapy is the best treatment option. Relapse is relatively common and often requires consultation with an infectious diseases specialist.