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Sub-Category:

Bone and Joint Infections

Number of Conditions: 1

Acute Osteomyelitis

Specialty: Emergency and Urgent Care

Category: Infectious Diseases

Sub-category: Bone and Joint Infections

Symptoms:
bone pain; fever; swelling; redness over affected area; reduced range of motion; general malaise

Root Cause:
Bacterial infection of the bone, often caused by Staphylococcus aureus, spreading through the bloodstream or direct inoculation.

How it's Diagnosed: videos
Blood cultures, imaging studies (X-rays, MRI, or CT), and sometimes bone biopsy.

Treatment:
Intravenous antibiotics, immobilization of the affected limb, and sometimes surgical debridement.

Medications:
Antibiotics such as cefazolin , clindamycin , or vancomycin (antibacterials) tailored to the causative organism.

Prevalence: How common the health condition is within a specific population.
Varies; more common in children and individuals with trauma or immunocompromising conditions.

Risk Factors: Factors or behaviors that increase the likelihood of developing the condition.
Recent bone trauma, surgery, diabetes, peripheral vascular disease, and intravenous drug use.

Prognosis: The expected outcome or course of the condition over time.
Good with timely treatment but risk of chronic osteomyelitis if delayed.

Complications: Additional problems or conditions that may arise as a result of the original condition.
Chronic infection, bone necrosis, sepsis, and reduced mobility.