Abstract
Introduction: Recent data from the UK suggests that the incidence of osteomyelitis in the paediatric population is declining. However, the incidence in the Scandic countries has risen in the late eighties and nineties. We undertook to examine the epidemiology of osteomyelitis presenting to a paediatric teaching hospital in an Irish urban setting.
Patients and Methods: We undertook a retrospective review to identify patients admitted over a twenty-five year period with a diagnosis of osteomyelitis. Patients were identified from hospital records, theatre log-books and a departmental database. Demographic data was collected, as were details of the infected bony structure, treatment required and organism cultured.
Results: A total of 291 patients were admitted over a twenty-four year period, from 1977 to 2000.
A marked reduction in osteomyelitis was noted over the twenty-four year incidence of the study. In addition, a shift in the causative organism was noted from an incidence of H Influenzae in the 70’s of up to 30%, to less than 5% in the 90’s. The treatment regime changed markedly over the course of the study period, with a significantly reduced duration of hospital stay reflecting the move away from protracted periods of hospitalisation.
Conclusion: A marked fall in osteomyelitis has occurred in the paediatric population. This may be due to improved living conditions and the introduction of H Influenzae vaccinations. The duration of hospital stay has declined markedly and the introduction of newer imaging modalities has aided diagnosis, allowing early aggressive intervention. However, as osteomyelitis is becoming increasingly rare, a higher index of suspicion is required, particularly from non-specialists who are more likely to be the first to encounter these patients.
The abstracts were prepared by Emer Agnew. Correspondence should be addressed to Irish Orthopaedic Association, Secretariat, c/o Cappagh National Orthopaedic Hospital, Finglas, Dublin 11, Ireland.
