Osteomyelitis

Abstract

Osteomyelitis is the infection and destruction of bone tissue by microorganisms. The most common causative agent is Staphylococcus aureus, but many other infectious agents are involved. Microbiological diagnosis is fundamental for its optimal management, as it is crucial for treatment to be specifically target the microorganism responsible. In children, hematogenous acquisition is predominant whereas in adults, direct inoculation of microorganisms in the bone tissue occurs due to fractures or surgery. Acute osteomyelitis tends to respond to antibiotic treatment, but in chronic forms, there are two pathogenic elements: bony sequestrum and biofilm, which in the majority of cases make surgical treatment and prolonging antibiotic treatment necessary; even still, a cure is not always possible. Recently, various studies have demonstrated that less lengthy cycles of antibiotics have the same efficacy as classically recommended cycles.