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Functional outcome in patients treated for chronic posttraumatic osteomyelitis
Kenneth A Egol1, Jaspal R Singh, Uzoma Nwosu
1Division of Orthopaedic Trauma, Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, NYU Hospital for Joint Diseases, New York, New York, USA. kenneth.egol@nyumc.org
Bulletin of the NYU Hospital for Joint Diseases
|December 17, 2009
Summary
Chronic osteomyelitis management is challenging. Most patients achieve high cure rates and near-normal function after surgical intervention and antibiotics, indicating successful treatment outcomes.
Area of Science:
- Orthopaedic Surgery
- Infectious Diseases
- Musculoskeletal Health
Background:
- Chronic posttraumatic osteomyelitis presents a significant challenge in orthopaedics.
- A retrospective study identified 43 patients with chronic osteomyelitis across 44 sites at a university hospital.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the treatment outcomes and functional status of patients with chronic posttraumatic osteomyelitis.
- To assess the effectiveness of surgical intervention and antibiotic therapy in managing this condition.
Main Methods:
- Diagnosis involved clinical evaluation, lab tests, imaging, and intraoperative specimens.
- Patient charts were reviewed, and 33 patients completed Short Musculoskeletal Functional Assessment (SMFA) questionnaires.
Main Results:
- The tibia and femur were the most commonly affected sites.
- Staphylococcus aureus was the most frequent pathogen identified (85% culture positivity).
- A 94% overall cure rate was achieved, with 84% cured after a single intervention; functional scores were near population norms.
Conclusions:
- Successful eradication of chronic posttraumatic osteomyelitis leads to functional levels comparable to the general population.
- Treatment, including surgery and antibiotics, is effective in restoring function and achieving high cure rates.
