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
patients life. This is referred to as chronic osteomyelitis.