Introduction
Osteomyelitis is an infection of the bone. Most cases are acute and bacterial in origin, however some cases can be chronic and rarely can even be fungal. In adults, the vertebrae are the most commonly affected bones (in children, long bones are more commonly affected).
It can be caused by haematogenous spread, direct inoculation of micro-organisms into the bone (such as following an open fracture or penetrating injury), or direct spread from nearby infection (such as a contiguous joint).
Common causative organisms include S. aureus (most common), Streptococci, Enterobacteur spp., H. Influnzae, P. aeruginosa (especially in intravenous drug users), and Salmonella spp. (especially in patients with sickle cell disease)
Figure 1 – Micrograph of compact bone, showing the arrangement around a single Haversian canal
Pathophysiology
Once bacteria enter the bone tissue, they express adhesins to bind to the host tissue proteins and produce a polysaccharide extracellular matrix. Through this, the pathogens are able propagate, spread, and seed further in the tissue.
In chronic cases, the infection can lead to devascularisation of the affected bone, resulting in subsequent necrosis forming and the resorption of the surrounding bone. This leads to a ‘floating’ piece of dead bone, termed a sequestrum, which acts as a reservoir for infection (and is not penetrated by antibiotics, as it is avascular).
An involucrum can also form, following the sequestrum formation, whereby the region becomes encased in a thick sheath of periosteal new bone.
Figure 2 – Histology demonstrating osteomyelitis, with H&E stain
Risk Factors
Risk factors for developing osteomyelitis include diabetes mellitus, immunosuppression (such as long term steroid treatment or AIDS), alcohol excess, or intravenous drug use.
Osteomyelitis and the Diabetic Foot
Foot infections occur frequently in diabetic patients, these infections are often due to minor trauma, but due to a combination of neuropathy and small vessel disease, infection often develops quickly and can initially go unnoticed.
Soft tissue infection can therefore increase the risk of osteomyelitis developing. It is important to suspect osteomyelitis in any diabetic patient with a deep or chronic foot infection. Any suspected case should have an MRI scan to confirm the diagnosis.
Clinical Features
Patients will usually present with severe pain* in the affected region and associated low grade pyrexia. Pain is constant and can be worse at night. Cases can present with non-specific symptoms only, possibly with a previous history of recent trauma.
On examination, the site will be tender. There may be overlying swelling and erythema. If the lower limb is affected the patient may be unable to weight bear.
Ensure you examine for potential sources of the infection, such as pock marks or sinuses from intravenous drug abuse, cellulitic areas, penetrating wounds, or stigmata of concurrent infection in another body system.
*In patients with diabetic foot, pain may be absent due to peripheral neuropathy
Differential Diagnosis
The main differentials for suspected cases of osteomyelitis include septic arthritis, traumatic injuries (including soft tissue injury and fractures) and primary or secondary bone tumours.
Potts Disease
Potts disease is an infection of the vertebral body and intervertebral disc by Mycobacterium tuberculosis. Patients will present with back pain +/- neurological features, with associated low grade fever and non-specific infective symptoms.
The infection will initially start in the intervertebral disc before spreading to the para-discal regions, typically affecting the thoraco-lumbar region of the spine.
MRI imaging is the gold-standard investigation for suspected cases. Most cases will require a prolonged course of anti-TB medication, however surgical intervention may be required for abscess drainage if extensive spinal destruction.
Investigations
Patients require routine blood tests, including FBC, CRP, and ESR. Blood cultures should be performed (positive in around 60% cases).
Plain film radiographs are often performed although they have poor accuracy for osteomyelitis; any visible signs tend to only be visible from ~7-10 days post-initial infection. Potential radiographic feature include osteopaenia, periosteal thickening, endosteal scalloping, and focal cortical bone loss.
Definitive diagnosis can achieved through MRI imaging. However, gold standard diagnosis is from culture from bone biopsy at debridement (or curettage where there are associated ulcers), which has >90% sensitivity. It is important to check for mycobacterium and fungal causes in relevant cases, such as in immunosuppressed patients.
Figure 2 – Osteomyelitis of the 1st MTP
Management
If the patient is clinically well, patients will require long-term intravenous antibiotic therapy (>4 weeks) tailored to any cultures available (otherwise following local antimicrobial protocols). This is usually all that is required and no surgical intervention is needed.
If the patient clinically deteriorates, the limb shows evidence of deterioration, or imaging shows progressive bone destruction, then surgical management may be required to prevent chronic osteomyelitis developing. This involves curettage of the area.
Complications
Poorly managed acute osteomyelitis may lead to overwhelming sepsis and mortality. Associated septic arthritis or soft tissue infections may occur.
Children may develop growth disturbances as a result of premature physeal closure. Amputation is rarely required in modern practice.
Recurrence of infection can occur, often associated with premature cessation of antibiotics. Chronic osteomyelitis can occur in immunocompromised patient, under-treated patients, or virulent or resistant organisms.
Chronic Osteomyelitis
Patients with chronic osteomyelitis will present with localised ongoing bone pain and non-specific infection symptoms (e.g. malaise or lethargy). There may be a draining sinus tract and they may have difficulties in mobility.
Blood tests can often show normal inflammatory markers and negative blood cultures; positive cultures from any sinus tract are often contaminants.
Surgical management involves local bone and soft tissue debridement for definitive source control, alongside extensive long-term antibiotic therapy.
This will then likely need complex staged reconstruction with prolonged rehabilitation, which the patient should be made aware of pre-operatively; alternatively, amputation could be considered if the patient would not suitable reconstruction.
Key Points
- Osteomyelitis is an infection of the bone, most commonly bacterial in origin
- Risk factors include diabetes mellitus, immunosuppression, alcohol excess, or intravenous drug use
- Patients present with severe constant localised pain, often with an associated low grade pyrexia
- Gold standard diagnosis is from culture from bone biopsy at debridement, however MRI imaging can help make the definitive diagnosis
- Management typically requires long-term antibiotic therapy
