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Femoral osteomyelitis after tooth extraction
1Greater Sacramento Medical Group, California, USA.
Abstract:
Up to 35% of normal individuals may harbor Hemophilus aphrophilus in their oropharynx. Generally, this organism is well tolerated and rarely causes systemic infections; however, osteomyelitis may occur and it has previously been described involving the spine. Because of an intrinsic ability to inhibit leukocytes, osseous infections from this organism characteristically present in an insidious fashion. A case of severe femoral osteomyelitis after dental extraction is described.
Insights
Hemophilus aphrophilus, a common oral bacterium, can cause severe femoral osteomyelitis, particularly after dental procedures. This insidious bone infection occurs due to the bacteria
Area of Science:
- Infectious Diseases
- Microbiology
- Orthopedic Surgery
Background:
- Hemophilus aphrophilus is a commensal bacterium found in the oropharynx of up to 35% of healthy individuals.
- Systemic infections caused by H. aphrophilus are rare, but it has been implicated in spinal osteomyelitis.
- The organism possesses an intrinsic ability to inhibit leukocyte function, contributing to its pathogenicity.
Observation:
- A case of severe femoral osteomyelitis following a dental extraction is presented.
- The patient's presentation was insidious, characteristic of osseous infections caused by H. aphrophilus.
- The infection involved the femur, a large long bone susceptible to hematogenous or contiguous spread.
Findings:
- The study describes a rare instance of severe femoral osteomyelitis caused by Hemophilus aphrophilus.
- The infection developed subsequent to a dental extraction procedure.
- The insidious nature of the infection highlights the challenges in early diagnosis.
Implications:
- This case underscores the potential for H. aphrophilus to cause severe bone infections, even in immunocompetent individuals.
- Dental procedures may represent a risk factor for H. aphrophilus osteomyelitis.
- Increased awareness among clinicians is necessary for the timely diagnosis and management of H. aphrophilus-related osteomyelitis.