Osteomyletis is a kind of infection where the bones are affected. The long bones like those on either side of the knee are generally infected by osteomyletis. Even the bone marrow can be affected in this disease. Starting from newborns to young children and adolescents are affected by this disease. If a child is affected he or she is most likely to develop the problem in the longer bones.
As for the adults the pelvis and the vertebrae are affected. It is known that children are more prone to osteomyletis. As for the adults there are certain factors which are instrumental for the growth of this disease. Factors like infusing drugs inside the veins, debilitation, drub abuse, and infections in the root canals of the teeth can cause these problems.
Causes of Osteomyletis
The most probable cause of osteomyletis is a bacterium which is known as Staphylococcus aureus. Even fungal infections that occur from bacteria development can result to this disease. The micro-organisms spread throughout the body with the help of blood and the bones are infected in the process. Even the infection can happen from a raw wound.
As for the children osteomyletis stem from staphylococcus aureus. The types can vary according to age group. S. aureus, Escherichia coli and Gropu B streptococci are instrumental in the growth of this infection. Children belonging to the age group of 1 to 16 years can be infected from haemophilus influenzae and streptococcus pyogenes.
If the bone is exposed to an injury they are very likely to form an infection which may turn to osteomyletis. Another probable cause of osteomyletis is systemic mycotic infections. The most common form of bacteria which are responsible for the growth of this infection are coccidiodies immitis and blastomyces dermatitidis.
Symptoms of Osteomyletis
If the child is feverish and complains of a limb that is paining continuously then the parents should consult a doctor. In case of a painful limb the children neither wants to move them as it is extremely painful, nor they want to touch the infected region. Sometimes it is not easy to detect the problem, but if the skin over the infected region turns hot and red and appears swollen then a doctor is to be consulted.
In many cases the children can appear lethargic or they can vomit or feel nauseous and weak, the parents should known that these are the early signs or symptoms of osteomyletis. In a chronic problem pus comes out through the skin. If the infection is not treated on time it can also affect the nearby joint which may turn to septic arthritis.
Treatment of Osteomyletis
The help of a doctor is must in case of osteomyletis. If the child is suspected to have such a problem then he or she should be taken to the hospital and with the help of X-rays it can be determined whether the child is suffering from the problem or not. The X-rays not only help to detect the region of osteomyletis, a blood test can actually pinpoint the bacteria which is responsible for such a problem.
There should be ultrasound scans and bone scans which can also help to determine the causes of the problem. Antibiotics are given intravenously as the infection is deep inside the bones and only injections can help to lessen the pain inside the bones. In case of a formation of the abscess surgery is a must. The limb can be supported with a splint and constant exercise and physiotherapy can reduce the pain.
Advice
It is easier to treat the problem at the early stage. However negligence can prove fatal. If the growth plate in the joint or in the bone is affected it can result to deformities. In case of chronic infections treatment is strenuous and damages are done on a permanent basis. So in case the child is complaining of a pain in the limb, listen to the problem and take your child to a doctor.
