Bone Infection Definition, Reason, Symptoms, Treatment & Prevention
Understanding
Bone Infection: Acute osteomyelitis is a bacterial infection of the bones and bone marrow. This disease is more common in children because their bones are still growing. In addition, this disease is also more common in boys.
Acute osteomyelitis often affects the long bones in the legs. Apart from these parts, this disease can sometimes also occur in the spine and arms.
Symptom
The symptoms of acute osteomyelitis are as follows:
- In children, there may be a history of bacterial infection in places other than the bones. Examples include infections of the skin or upper respiratory tract.
- Approximately 50% found a history of impact or trauma to the bone.
- In children who can communicate, they usually complain of intense pain at the ends of the long bones. This usually makes the child not want to use the function of the affected bone.
- In the first 24 hours, if not treated, septicemia will occur. This is a condition where the entry of bacteria into the bloodstream is characterized by weakness, fever, and anorexia.
If there are early complications, this disease can lead to septic arthritis, abscesses, and even death. Meanwhile, if the complications are advanced, it can result in chronic osteomyelitis, fractures, shortening of joints, and growth disorders.
Reason
The cause of acute osteomyelitis is bacteria. About 90% of the bacteria that cause this disease are Staphylococcus aureus bacteria. This bacterium can infect bones through the bloodstream when the immune system is down.
In addition, there are several other bacteria that can also cause this disease. Such as streptococcal and pneumococcal bacteria.
Diagnosis
Diagnosis can be made by performing a physical examination. Through this examination, the doctor will check for swelling in the affected area. Usually, this swelling occurs after a few days.
The doctor can also carry out additional examinations by taking plain photos of the bones. However, abnormalities on this plain photo can only be seen after one week – such as bone damage and new bone formation.
Another way that can be taken is to do a bone scan, which can be done in the first week.
Treatment
Acute osteomyelitis can be treated by doing the following:
- Hospitalization and total bed rest
- Administration of painkillers.
- Immobilize the affected bone with a removable splint or traction. This is useful for reducing pain, preventing the spread of acute osteomyelitis, and preventing the shortening of soft tissue.
- Administration of antibiotics. The thing to remember is if a child is injured, immediately clean the wound with running water and give an antiseptic solution. Then immediately take it to the doctor to prevent acute osteomyelitis.