Symptoms and Signs of Osteomyelitis
Clinically the patient presents with
- Malaise
- Chills
Severe throbbing intense pain over the affected region along with decreased mobility.
A thorough history and physical examination help in recognising osteomyelitis early in the course of the disease.
A clear history of pain, swelling after surgery or injury, implantation with hardware or prosthetic devices can yield information and help in diagnosis and treatment.
Persistent discharge and excessive pain can be the presentation for septic arthritis in a joint replacement.
Persisting episodes of discharge in long bones after an acute osteomyelitis can be suggestive of a chronic infection.
Slow healing ulcers in diabetics, especially in the foot, can lead to a deep bone infection and osteomyelitis.
Persisting pressure ulcers or decubitus ulcers that do not heal even with good nursing care can signify chronic osteomyelitis.
Patients with tuberculous osteomyelitis present with pain on motion, localized tenderness, low grade fevers, chills and weight loss. Severe destruction of the vertebrae can lead to kyphotic and scoliotic deformities and neurologic deficits secondary to cord compression.
