Aetiology and pattern of bone and joint infection presenting at a regional orthopaedic hospital

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Bone and joint infection is one condition that can either be rewarding,or a night mare to the surgeon.This work reports the causes and pattern of presentation of bone and joint infections in our sub region.
METHOD: A retrospective review of 73 cases of non granulomatous bone infection seen over two years from January 2012 to December 2013 was done. Patients' biodata,complaint,time to presentation in the hospital and if any intervention by the traditional bone setters, limbs involved, primary cause, diagnosis, organism cultured and retroviral status were obtained from the folders.Results:Commonest age group involved was in the second decade with 21.9%. Male to female ratio is 2.2:1. Chronic osteomyelitis was the commonest infection with 46.6% (34 patients) followed by septic arthritis with 26%.The lower limb was more involved than the upper limb with a ratio of 5.6: 1.A significant number of patients 59 (80.8%) presented more than two weeks after onset of symptoms while 27 patients (36.9%) visited the traditional bone setters for treatment before presenting to the hospital. Staphylococcus aureus was the commonest organism isolated.
CONCLUSION: Chronic osteomyelitis is the commonest bone and joint infections in our environment mainly from trauma and closely followed by improperly treated haematogenous acute osteomyelitis.Acute osteomyelitis is a rare occurrence as late presentation and patronage of traditional bone setters is rife.

KEY WORDS: Bone infection,joint infection,aetiology