Musculoskeletal Infection
A 7-year-old boy presents with a 5-day history of progressive left knee pain, fever (39°C), and inability to weight-bear. He is systemically unwell. Blood tests show WCC 18.5 x 10⁹/L, CRP 185 mg/L, ESR 65 mm/hr. Plain radiographs appear normal. MRI reveals metaphyseal bone marrow oedema and periosteal elevation in the distal femur with a small subperiosteal abscess. Regarding the pathophysiology of acute haematogenous osteomyelitis:
Mark each as TRUE or FALSE
Haematogenous osteomyelitis typically affects the METAPHYSIS of long bones in children; the metaphys...
Once bacteria lodge in metaphyseal bone: initial INFLAMMATORY response occurs (cytokines, neutrophil...
Haematogenous osteomyelitis typically affects the DIAPHYSIS in children; the diaphyseal blood flow i...
Paediatric considerations: PHYSIS acts as a barrier to spread in children greater than 18 months (av...
Radiographic changes in acute osteomyelitis: soft tissue swelling visible at 3 days; PERIOSTEAL REAC...
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Click T (True) or F (False) for each option