Osteomyelitis: A Case Study

Osteomyelitis is an acute or chronic infection of the bone. The infection can be caused by direct penetration or contamination of an open fracture or wound, through the bloodstream (hematogenous spread), extension from a contiguous site, or from skin infections in people with vascular insufficiency. Many types of organisms such as viruses, parasites, fungi, and bacteria can produce osteomyelitis, but infections caused by certain pyogenic bacteria and mycobacteria are those most common. About 70%-80% of infections are caused by Staphylococcus Areus. Abscess formation occurs in the bone and abscess activity is called a sequestrum, or a pocket of dead bone tissue, which does not liquefy and drain. As a result, it can lead to new bone growth and scar tissue surrounding the infected cavity which leads to chronic osteomyelitis. If osteomyelitis is significant, treatment will be an amputation. …show more content…
This is due to neuropathy causing a loss of protective reflexes, impaired arterial circulation, and repetitive trauma. Patients who have diabetes are more prone to foot ulcers because of their impaired circulation. When patients get an infection, they have delayed healing because of their diabetes, which is a slow healing process. Most people with vascular insufficiency osteomyelitis lead to chronic osteomyelitis. These infections can occur secondary to an open wound, most commonly seen to the bone or surrounding tissue. Since patient with diabetes have an altered pain sensation, their pain is often absent because of peripheral neuropathy. A sign that osteomyelitis can be confirmed is when bone is exposed in the ulcer bed or after