Osteomyelitis, Pathophysiology 3r4c4t

Osteomyelitis Pathophysiology

pain, swelling, tenderness

chills, high fever, rapid pulse, general malaise

edema

Majority of the bone infections are caused by Staphylococcus aureus. Other causes include streptococci, enterococci, and Pseudomonas species. Thrombosis of the local blood vessels occurs after 2-3 days. This results to ischemia and bone necrosis. The infection extends into the medullary cavity. If left untreated, this can lead to formation of bone abscess. The resulting abscess contains dead bone tissue (the sequestrum). This substance which does not easily liquefy and drain. New bone growth (the involucrum) forms and surrounds the sequestrum. A chronically infected sequestrum remains and produces recurring abscesses throughout the patient’s life. This is referred to as chronic osteomyelitis.