An Orthopedic Surgeon with a private hospital in Abuja, Dr Gabriel Adejimi, has warned that untreated bacteria like Staphylococcus aureus could lead to an infection of the bone called Osteomyelitis.
Staphylococcus aureus is a gram-positive, round-shaped bacterium that is a member of the Firmicutes, and is frequently found in the nose, respiratory tract, and on the skin.
Adejimi said on Tuesday in Abuja that Osteomyelitis was rare but a serious condition.
He explained that infection in one part of the body may spread through the bloodstream into the bone, or an open fracture or surgery that may expose the bone to infection.
The doctor, who is a bone specialist, also said that bone surgery, including hip and knee replacements, also increase the chance of bone infection.
He said, “Only two out of every 10,000 people get Osteomyelitis, the condition affects children and adults, although in different ways.
“Certain conditions and behaviours that weakens the immune system increase a person’s risk for Osteomyelitis,
“In children, Osteomyelitis is usually acute, acute Osteomyelitis comes on quickly, is easier to treat, and in overall, turns out better than chronic Osteomyelitis.
“In adults, Osteomyelitis can be either acute or chronic, people with diabetes, HIV, or peripheral vascular disease are more prone to chronic Osteomyelitis, which persists or recurs, despite treatment.”
Adejimi said that chronic or acute Osteomyelitis often affects an adult’s pelvis or vertebrae of the spine, it can also occur in the feet, especially in a person with diabetes.
Acute Osteomyelitis develops rapidly over a period of seven to 10 days, the symptoms for acute and chronic Osteomyelitis are very similar.
He said, “The symptoms include fever, irritability, fatigue nausea tenderness, redness, warmth in the area of the infection, swelling around the affected bone and lost range of motion
“Osteomyelitis in the vertebrae makes itself known through severe back pain, especially at night.”
The expert noted that a bone biopsy is necessary to confirm a diagnosis of Osteomyelitis, this also helps determine the type of organism, typically bacteria causing the infection so that the right medication can be prescribed.
He said that treatment focuses on stopping infection in its tracks and preserving as much function as possible.
He said, “Antibiotics also help bring the infection under control and often make it possible to avoid surgery, people with Osteomyelitis usually get antibiotics for several weeks.”
The best way to prevent Osteomyelitis is to keep things clean, if you or your child has a cut, especially a deep cut, wash it completely.
He said, “Flush out any open wound under running water for five minutes, then bandage it in sterile bandages.”
He urged people with the infection to seek medical attention as soon as possible, noting that the sooner you treat Osteomyelitis, the better.
“In cases of acute Osteomyelitis, early treatment prevents the condition from becoming a chronic problem that requires ongoing treatment.”
NAN
