Osteomyelitis Case Studies

Define the pathological condition, disease or syndrome.
Osteomyelitis is an infection of the bone. This can be from externally introduced bacteria fungi, parasites and viruses, or from a pathogen introduced via the blood stream from an infection of another body system (McCance and Huether, 2014). The pathogen invades the bone and elicits the inflammatory response (McCance, and Huether, 2014). For bone tissue, this includes engorged vessels, active leukocytes, thrombosis of small blood vessels and formation of an abscess (McCance, and Huether, 2014). For the bones of children, the exudate reaches the cortex and forms the abscess, which in turn lifts the periosteum off the bone (McCance, and Huether, 2014). This interferes with how the blood vessels enter the bone and leads to bone death in the area of infection (McCance, and Huether, 2014). The osteoblast cells will regenerate new bone around the damaged area and encompass the infected site creating an …show more content…
2. Explain each clinical manifestation or abnormal finding in the case with a reason for why it matters in the diagnosis you are considering. Explain the relationship of these signs and symptoms to the pathophysiology.
The refusal to bear weight and reported limp imply that there is interference with the bones ability to provide structure and support. In osteomyelitis, this inability is due to the infection separating the periosteum from an adequate blood supply (McCance, and Huether, 2014). The bone then starts to die without a bloods supply. The bacteria and white blood cells form an acclamation of fluid (McCance, and Huether, 2014). This abscess causes pressure, tenderness, and limited mobility (McCance, and Huether, 2014).
3. What other information would you need to know to help with this