PERIOSTEOMYELITIS Meaning and
Definition
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Periosteomyelitis is a medical condition characterized by the inflammation and infection of both the periosteum (the dense connective tissue covering the outer surface of bones) and the underlying bone (the medullary cavity). This condition usually occurs as a result of a bacterial infection spreading from nearby soft tissues or from direct contamination of the bone through an injury, such as a fracture or surgery.
Symptoms of periosteomyelitis can include intense bone pain, swelling, warmth, redness, tenderness, and restricted mobility in the affected area. The infection typically leads to the formation of pus and can cause systemic symptoms like fever and chills.
Diagnosing periosteomyelitis involves a physical examination, analysis of medical history, imaging tests (such as X-rays, CT scans, or MRI scans), and laboratory tests (like blood tests and cultures of affected tissues). Prompt and accurate diagnosis is crucial to prevent further damage to the bone and surrounding tissues.
Treatment for periosteomyelitis involves a combination of antibiotic therapy to target the underlying infection and surgical intervention to drain any abscesses, remove dead tissue, or stabilize fractures contributing to the infection. In some cases, intravenous antibiotics may be required for a prolonged period to effectively clear the infection.
If left untreated, periosteomyelitis can lead to complications such as chronic infection, osteomyelitis (infection that spreads throughout the entire bone), sepsis (a life-threatening infection spread through the bloodstream), or bone necrosis (death of the bone tissue). Therefore, early diagnosis and appropriate treatment are essential to ensure a successful recovery.
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Inflammation of the entire bone, with the periosteum and marrow, osteomyelitis.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
Common Misspellings for PERIOSTEOMYELITIS
Etymology of PERIOSTEOMYELITIS
The word "periosteomyelitis" is derived from Greek and Latin roots.
- "Peri-" is a Greek prefix meaning "around" or "surrounding".
- "Osteo-" is derived from the Greek word "osteon" meaning "bone".
- "Myel-" is derived from the Greek word "myelos" meaning "marrow" (referring to bone marrow).
- "-itis" is a suffix in both Greek and Latin that denotes "inflammation".
So, "periosteomyelitis" is a medical term that combines these roots to describe an inflammatory condition that involves both the bone and surrounding tissues.
