Osteomyelitis
- Beware in the metaphyses of children
- There is often a history of minor injury
- Dx based on lost function and localised bony tenderness
- Often minimal signs of inflammation
- Pyrexia and leucocytes are absent in the early stages
- Another focus of infection usually co-exists
- ESR and CRP may be elevated
- X-rays - reveal no abnormality for a week or more
- If suspicious, take bloods / cultures & refer to the ED Duty Doctor
- (Consider sickle cell crises in ethnic minorities).
Link to our antibiotic guidelines . Please discuss all query osteomyelitis / septic arthritis with a senior doctor (not another SHO).
