Osteomyelitis: review of pathophysiology, diagnostic modalities and therapeutic options

Osteomyelitis can affect every bone and is heterogeneous in its pathophysiology and presentation. When the diagnosis is clinically suspected, further studies such as serum inflammatory markers and imaging studies should be performed. Magnetic resonance imaging can be very useful in establishing the diagnosis and determining the extent of infection. When possible, bone specimens should be obtained and cultured prior to the initiation of antimicrobial therapy. Surgical debridement is often required for chronic or contiguous osteomyelitis for successful eradication of the infection. The ultimate test-of-cure is the lack of clinical relapse after the discontinuation of antimicrobials.