Haematogenous osteomyelitis in the adult: a clinical and epidemiological study

Isolated reports suggest that haematogenous osteomyelitis in the adult may be presenting to the physician with increasing frequency. The disease continues to cause diagnostic difficulties. Results of a retrospective study of 26 cases over an eight-year period support previous suggestions that a second peak in incidence occurs in the elderly; they are consistent with an increasing incidence although the small numbers make firm conclusions on incidence impossible. The time from onset of symptoms to presentation is often prolonged and diagnostic delay may occur. Those clinical and laboratory features most useful in diagnosis are discussed.