All about osteomyelitis  causes of osteomyelitis symptoms of osteomyelitis diagnosis of osteomyelitis osteomyelitis treatment |
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How is osteomyelitis diagnosed?
The physician makes the diagnosis of osteomyelitis with a complete medical history of the child, physical examination, and diagnostic tests. The physician obtains a complete prenatal and birth history of the child and asks if the child has any recent colds or other infections. Blood is usually drawn and tested to demonstrate an increased number of the infection-fighting
white blood cells (particularly elevated in children with acute osteomyelitis). Blood is also cultured in a laboratory, a process which allows any bacteria present to multiply. A specimen from the culture is then specially treated, and examined under a microscope to try to identify the causative bacteria.
Injection of certain radioactive elements into the bloodstream, followed by a series of x-ray pictures, called a scan (radionuclide scanning), will reveal areas of bone inflammation. Another type of scan used to diagnose osteomyelitis is called magnetic resonance imaging, or MRI When pockets of pus are available, or overlaying soft tissue infection exists, these can serve as sources for samples which can be cultured to allow identification of bacteria present. A long, sharp needle can be used to obtain a specimen of bone (biopsy), which can then be tested to attempt to identify any bacteria present.
A blood culture is a test used to detect bacteria. A sample of blood is taken and then placed into an environment that will support the growth of bacteria. By allowing the bacteria to grow, the infectious agent can then be identified and tested against different antibiotics in hopes of finding the most effective treatment. A biopsy (tissue sample) of the infected bone may be taken and tested for signs of an invading organism. This can be accomplished by needle core often accomplished under radiographic control (fluoroscopy or CT scan). |
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More information on osteomyelitis
What is osteomyelitis? - Osteomyelitis is infection of the bone. Osteomyelitis may occur as a result of a bacterial bloodstream infection (bacteremia, or sepsis).
What causes osteomyelitis? - Many different types of bacteria and viruses can cause osteomyelitis. The most common type of bacteria is called Staphylococcus aureus.
What're the symptoms of osteomyelitis? - Symptoms of osteomyelitis include febrile, have had weight loss and fatigue, and have localized warmth, swelling, erythema, and tenderness.
How is osteomyelitis diagnosed? - The physician makes the diagnosis of osteomyelitis with a complete medical history of the child, physical examination, and diagnostic tests.
What's the treatment of osteomyelitis? - The objective of treating osteomyelitis is to eliminate the infection and prevent the development of chronic infection. |
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