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How can you prevent osteomyelitis?
One way to prevent osteomyelitis is to keep skin clean. All cuts and wounds — especially deep wounds — should be cleaned well. Wash a wound with soap and water, holding it under running water for at least 5 minutes to flush it out. To keep the wound clean afterward, cover it with sterile gauze or a clean cloth.
What are the most common pathogens associated with osteomyelitis?
Staphylococcus aureus is implicated in most patients with acute hematogenous osteomyelitis. Staphylococcus epidermidis, S. aureus, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Serratia marcescens and Escherichia coli are commonly isolated in patients with chronic osteomyelitis.
What causes osteomyelitis to come out of the skin?
Intravenous drug abusers. The elderly. What causes osteomyelitis? It can be caused by a variety of microbial agents (most common in staphylococcus aureus) and situations, including: An open injury to the bone, such as an open fracture with the bone ends coming out through the skin.
Why is osteomyelitis more common in younger children?
It can result from an infection somewhere else in the body that has spread to the bone, or it can start in the bone — often as a result of an injury. Osteomyelitis is more common in younger children (five and under) but can happen at any age. Boys are usually more affected than girls.
What is the difference between osteomyelitis and myelitis?
Osteomyelitis can be broken down into “ osteo ” meaning bone, and “ myelitis ”, meaning inflammation of the fatty tissues within the bone. Osteomyelitis is caused by an infection of the bone or joint, and can be both acute and chronic. It can occur at any age and involve any bone.
Why are illegal drugs more likely to cause osteomyelitis?
People who inject illegal drugs are more likely to develop osteomyelitis because they may use nonsterile needles and are less likely to sterilize their skin before injections. Osteomyelitis complications may include: Bone death (osteonecrosis). An infection in your bone can impede blood circulation within the bone, leading to bone death.