Bone and joint infection. (November 2021)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Bejon, Philip; Robinson, Esther
• Is Part Of: Medicine. Volume 49:Number 11(2021)
• Page Start: 710
• Page End: 713
• Publication Date: 2021-11
• Subjects: Bone infection -- diagnosis and management -- MRCP -- osteomyelitis -- prosthetic joint infection -- septic arthritis; Medicine -- Periodicals; Medicine -- Periodicals; Médecine -- Périodiques; Médecine factuelle -- Périodiques; Medicine; Periodicals; Electronic journals; Electronic journals; 610
• DOI: 10.1016/j.mpmed.2021.08.011
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1357-3039

Abstract

Abstract: Bone and joint infections are serious. They can be life-threatening or, more commonly, associated with long-term disability and reduced quality of life. The spectrum of disease has changed over time, with infected prosthetic joints and diabetic foot infections now more common than haematogenous osteomyelitis. Osteomyelitis results when bacteria colonize bone, usually a sterile tissue, via direct inoculation from trauma or surgery, haematogenous seeding from bloodstream infection or contiguous spread from another infected site. The pathophysiology of biofilm formation leads to a chronic infection that is resistant to host immunity and antibiotics. Presentation is with pain, swelling, lack of mobility and systemic symptoms. Diagnosis requires clinical symptoms, appropriate radiological imaging and microbiological sampling. Early or very limited osteomyelitis may be managed with antibiotics alone, but surgical debridement is key for many infections. Therapy should be undertaken by multidisciplinary teams including infection specialists, surgeons, radiologists and other clinical professionals.