ACUTE HEMATOGENOUS OSTEOMYELITIS IN NIGERIA

1 January 1978

journal article
research article

Vol. 30 (4) , 451-461

Abstract

Acute hematogenous osteomyelitis formed less than 1/4 of the 125 consecutive cases of osteomyelitis studied for a minimum of 6 mo. and an average of 1 yr 4 mo. Of the 29 cases of acute osteomyelitis, 1/3 occurred in patients with normal hemaglobin genotype (AA); 1/3 in homozygous S disease (SS disease) and sickle cell Hb C disease (SC disease); 1/4 in sickle cell trait (AS) and Hb AC trait, while in the remaining cases the Hb genotype was unknown. The sex incidence was equal; children aged 1-15 yr predominated. Most patients presented late with florid disease. Gram negative bone infection and multiple, entire diaphysial involvement were significantly more common in SS and SC disease than in the other Hb genotype. There was a high incidence of resistance of the infecting organisms to the commonly available antibiotics. Treatment was mostly conservative. There were no deaths, but the incidence and severity of complications were quite high. The need for establishing the sensitivity of the infecting organism in every case and for early surgical exploration in those without sickle cell disease is stressed.

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