Long-term follow-up of children with chronic non-bacterial osteomyelitis-assessment of disease activity, risk factors, and outcome.

INTRODUCTION: Chronic non-bacterial osteomyelitis (CNO) is an autoinflammatory bone-disease of unknown origin. The National Pediatric Rheumatologic Database (NPRD) collects long-term data of children and adolescents with rheumatic diseases including CNO. OBJECTIVE: To assess characteristics, courses, and outcomes of CNO with onset in childhood and adolescence and to identify outcome predictors. METHODS: From 2015 to 2021 patients with a confirmed diagnosis of CNO, who were registered in the NPRD during their first year of disease and at least one follow-up visit, were included in this analysis and observed for up to 4 years. RESULTS: Four hundred patients with recent diagnosis of CNO were enrolled in the NRPD during the study period. After 4 years, patient data documentation was sufficient to be analyzed in 81 patients. A significant decline of clinical and radiological lesions is reported: at inclusion in the registry, the mean number of clinical lesions was 2.0 and 3.0 MRI lesions per patient. A significant decrease of manifestations during 4 years of follow-up (mean clinical lesions 0.5, p < 0.001; mean MRI lesions 0.9 (p < 0.001)) was documented. A significant improvement of physician global disease activity (PGDA), patient-reported overall well-being, and childhood health assessment questionnaire (C-HAQ) was documented. Therapeutically, an increase of disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drugs over the years can be stated, while bisphosphonates rather seem to be considered as a therapeutic DMARD option in the first years of disease. Only 5-7% of the patients had a severe disease course as defined by a PGDA > = 4. Predictors associated with a severe disease course include the site of inflammation (pelvis, lower extremity, clavicle), increased erythrocyte sedimentation rate, and multifocal disease at first documentation. The previously published composite PedCNO disease activity score was analyzed revealing a PedCNO70 in 55% of the patients at 4YFU. CONCLUSION: An improvement of physician global disease activity (PGDA), patient reported overall well-being and imaging-defined disease activity measures was documented, suggesting that inactivity of CNO disease can be reached. PedCNO score and especially PGDA, MRI-defined lesions and in a number of patients also the C-HAQ seem to be reliable parameters for describing disease activity. The identification of risk factors at the beginning of the disease might influence treatment decision in the future.

Acute musculoskeletal infection in children: assessment and management.

Musculoskeletal infection in children is challenging to treat, and includes septic arthritis, deep tissue infection, osteomyelitis, discitis and pyomyositis. Delays to diagnosis and management, and under-treatment can be life-threatening and result in chronic disability. The British Orthopaedic Association Standards for Trauma include critical steps in the timely diagnosis and management of acute musculoskeletal infection in children, the principles of acute clinical care and the service delivery requirements to appropriately manage this cohort of patients. Orthopaedic and paediatric services are likely to encounter cases of acute musculoskeletal infection in children and thus an awareness and thorough understanding of the British Orthopaedic Association Standards for Trauma guidelines is essential. This article reviews these guidelines and associated published evidence for the management of children with acute musculoskeletal infection.

Chronic Nonbacterial Osteomyelitis: Insights into Pathogenesis, Assessment, and Treatment.

Chronic nonbacterial osteomyelitis, or its most severe form, chronic recurrent multifocal osteomyelitis, is an autoinflammatory bone disease that causes skeletal inflammation characterized by bone pain and swelling that primarily affects children. It is a diagnosis of exclusion and its clinical presentation may mimic underlying infectious processes and malignancy. Clinical suspicion for this diagnosis and timely referral to pediatric rheumatology is crucial to achieve earlier diagnosis, appropriate treatment, and improved quality of life of affected patients and families. This article focuses on recent insights into the pathogenesis of chronic nonbacterial osteomyelitis and outlines recent advances and ongoing research.

[Osteoarticular infections in patients with sickle cell disease in Lubumbashi: epidemiological study focusing on etiology and management]. / Les infections ostéo-articulaires chez les drépanocytaires à Lubumbashi: étude épidémiologique, étiologie et prise en charge.

INTRODUCTION: infections are the leading cause of morbidity and mortality in patients with sickle cell disease, especially before age 5 years. The purpose of this study was to highlight the epidemiological features, etiologies and management of osteoarticular infections in patients with sickle cell disease in Lubumbashi. METHODS: we conducted a descriptive, cross-sectional and retrospective study at the Research Center for Sickle Cell Disease in Lubumbashi (RCSCDL) over a three-year period from June 2014 to June 2017. It included all patients with sickle cell disease on follow up at the RCSCDL who developed osteoarticular infection. Data were obtained from a survey form. Parameters were patient's age, age at first visit, sex, reason for consultation, history, physical signs, diagnosis, paraclinical assessment and treatment. RESULTS: we identified 35 cases of osteoarticular infections out of a total of 380 cases of sickle-cell disease, reflecting a rate of 9.2%. The most affected age group was people under 5 years of age (37.1%); the average age was 10.9±9.5 years ranging from 8 months and 37 years. There was a slight female predominance (51.4% of cases; sex ratio 1.06 in favor of women). Most patients with osteoarticular infection had a history of transfusion (16.6%) and splenectomy (8.6%). The most common reason for consulting was limb pain (84%); 20 patients (57.1%) had bulbar conjunctival icterus and 26 (74.3%) were pale. Clinical examination showed limb swelling and wound in 27 patients (77.1%) and 19 patients (54.3%), respectively. Clinical palpation of the splenomegaly was performed in 6 patients (17.1%). Three types of osteoarticular infections were detected. They were dominated by osteomyelitis (24 cases; 68.57%) followed by osteitis (7 cases; 20%) and suppurative arthritis (4 cases; 11.43%). Out of 24 cases of osteomyelitis, 18 were acute (75%) and 6 were chronic (25%), of which 4 had a hyperostosing behaviour and 2 a fistulising behaviour. Tibia was the most affected bone (18 cases), X-ray mainly showed osteolysis (27 cases; 77.1%) and then periosteolysis (15 cases; 42.9%). Homozygous sickle cell disease was found in 88.6% of cases. Hemoculture was performed in 17 out the 35 patients and salmonella was isolated in 15 out of 17 cultures (88.23%). Pyoculture was performed in 10 patients; it isolated other germs. Assessment of inflammation was performed in 21 patients: 15 had hyperleukocytosis, 13 pathological white blood cell formula , all had increased sedimentation rate (greater than 20mm in the 1st hour). With respect to immunization schedule, 62.86% of patients received EPI vaccines while patients with sickle cell disease who needed specific vaccine had an adherence rate of 17.14%. With respect to therapy, all of our patients received medical treatment; 6 patients underwent sequestrectomy (17.14%) while the majority of patients (25 cases) underwent orthopedic treatment. Conclusion: bone infection in patients with sickle cell disease is a worryng issue in our poor environment where there isn't a specific vaccine for patients with sickle cell disease.

Incidence of Osteomyelitis in Sacral Decubitus Ulcers and Recommendations for Management.

Stage-4 pressure ulcers are defined as ulcerations that violate the fascia and expose underlying bone, muscle, and tendon. Exposed bone is always colonized by bacteria, but this does not necessarily lead to osteomyelitis. The rates of osteomyelitis in exposed bone in stage-4 pressure ulcers range from 14% to 86%.There has been no evidence that the presence of osteomyelitis leads to higher complication rates following flap coverage. There has been no evidence that bone biopsy and preoperative treatment of osteomyelitis have any benefit before flap coverage.

Comparing children and adults with chronic nonbacterial osteomyelitis.

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: To describe the main clinical differences of children and adults with chronic nonbacterial osteomyelitis (CNO). RECENT FINDINGS: CNO is a severe systemic autoinflammatory syndrome characterized by multiple bone lesions because of inflammatory osteitis. Delay to diagnosis of CNO can lead to functional impairment, fractures, and chronic pain. Key clinical aspects and disease patterns differ in children and adults, including onset and time to diagnosis, symptom localization, associated comorbidities (i.e. skin, joints), bone lesion distribution pattern, and treatment approach. Novel biomarkers, such as urine N-terminal telopeptide in children and serum IgG4 in adults, are being studied for possible future use in improving diagnosis and guiding treatment. Despite recent advances in our understanding of CNO, many children and adults have a high disease burden and poor long-term outcomes. Recent findings suggest that adults with CNO tend to have a more chronic disease course and are less likely to achieve remission in follow-up. SUMMARY: The clinical presentation of CNO differs in children and adults, highlighting the importance of these key features for the accurate diagnosis and early treatment in CNO.

Osteomyelitis Increases the Rate of Amputation in Patients With Type 2 Diabetes and Lower Extremity Burns.

In patients with diabetes mellitus (DM), amputation rates exceed 30% when lower extremity osteomyelitis is present. We sought to determine the rate of osteomyelitis and any subsequent amputation in our patients with DM and lower extremity burns. We performed a single-site, retrospective review at our burn center using the institutional burn center registry, linked to clinical and administrative data. Adults (≥18 years old) with DM admitted from January 1, 2014 to December 31, 2018 for isolated lower extremity burns were eligible for inclusion. We evaluated demographics, burn characteristics, comorbidities, presence of radiologically confirmed osteomyelitis, length of stay (LOS), inpatient hospitalization costs, and amputation rate at 3 months and 12 months after injury. We identified 103 patients with DM and isolated lower extremity burns. Of these, 88 patients did not have osteomyelitis, while 15 patients had radiologically confirmed osteomyelitis within 3 months of the burn injury. Compared to patients without osteomyelitis, patients with osteomyelitis had significantly increased LOS (average LOS 22.7 days vs 12.1 days, P = .0042), inpatient hospitalization costs (average $135,345 vs $62,237, P = .0008), amputation rate within 3 months (66.7% vs 5.70%, P < .00001), and amputation rate within 12 months (66.7% vs 9.1%, P < .0001). The two groups were otherwise similar in demographics, burn injury characteristics, access to healthcare, and preexisting comorbidities. Patients with DM and lower extremity burns incurred increased LOS, higher inpatient hospitalization costs, and increased amputation rates if radiologically confirmed osteomyelitis was present within 3 months of the burn injury.

Does Universal Insurance and Access to Care Influence Disparities in Outcomes for Pediatric Patients with Osteomyelitis?

BACKGROUND: Healthcare disparities are an issue in the surgical management of orthopaedic conditions in children. Although insurance expansion efforts may mitigate racial disparities in surgical outcomes, prior studies have not examined these effects on differences in pediatric orthopaedic care. To assess for racial disparities in pediatric orthopaedic care that may persist despite insurance expansion, we performed a case-control study of the outcomes of children treated for osteomyelitis in the TRICARE system, the healthcare program of the United States Department of Defense and a model of universal insurance and healthcare access. QUESTIONS/PURPOSES: We asked whether (1) the rates of surgical intervention and (2) 90-day outcomes (defined as emergency department visits, readmission, and complications) were different among TRICARE-insured pediatric patients with osteomyelitis when analyzed based on black versus white race and military rank-defined socioeconomic status. METHODS: We analyzed TRICARE claims from 2005 to 2016. We identified 2906 pediatric patients, of whom 62% (1810) were white and 18% (520) were black. A surgical intervention was performed in 9% of the patients (253 of 2906 patients). The primary outcome was receipt of surgical intervention for osteomyelitis. Secondary outcomes included 90-day complications, readmissions, and returns to the emergency department. The primary predictor variables were race and sponsor rank. Military rank has been used as an indicator of socioeconomic status before and during enlistment, and enlisted service members, particularly junior enlisted service members, may be at risk of having the same medical conditions that affect civilian members of lower socioeconomic strata. Patient demographic information (age, sex, race, sponsor rank, beneficiary category [whether the patient is an insurance beneficiary from an active-duty or retired service member], and geographic region) and clinical information (prior comorbidities, environment of care [whether clinical care was provided in a civilian or military facility], treatment setting, and length of stay) were used as covariates in multivariable logistic regression analyses. RESULTS: After controlling for demographic and clinical factors including age, sex, sponsor rank, beneficiary category, geographic region, Charlson comorbidity index (as a measure of baseline health), environment of care, and treatment setting (inpatient versus outpatient), we found that black children were more likely to undergo surgical interventions for osteomyelitis than white children (odds ratio 1.78; 95% confidence interval, 1.26-2.50; p = 0.001). When stratified by environment of care, this finding persisted only in the civilian healthcare setting (OR 1.85; 95% CI, 1.26-2.74; p = 0.002). Additionally, after controlling for demographic and clinical factors, lower socioeconomic status (junior enlisted personnel) was associated with a higher likelihood of 90-day emergency department use overall (OR 1.60; 95% CI, 1.02-2.51; p = 0.040). CONCLUSIONS: We found that for pediatric patients with osteomyelitis in the universally insured TRICARE system, many of the historically reported disparities in care were absent, suggesting these patients benefitted from improved access to healthcare. However, despite universal coverage, racial disparities persisted in the civilian care environment, suggesting that no single intervention such as universal insurance sufficiently addresses differences in racial disparities in care. Future studies can address the pervasiveness of these disparities in other patient populations and the various mechanisms through which they exert their effects, as well as potential interventions to mitigate these disparities. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level III, prognostic study.

Health Care Costs of Post-traumatic Osteomyelitis in China: Current Situation and Influencing Factors.

BACKGROUND: Currently, very limited information is available regarding the economic burdens of patients with extremity post-traumatic osteomyelitis (OM). This study aimed to investigate direct health care costs and utilization for inpatients with extremity post-traumatic OM and analyze its constituent ratios and influencing factors in Southern China. METHODS: We searched in the electronic medical record system for inpatients who had received surgical interventions at our department between 2013 and 2016 for extremity post-traumatic OM. Data of direct health care costs incurred during their hospitalizations were collected in six main categories (service, diagnosis, treatment, materials, pharmaceuticals, and miscellaneous expenses). In addition, data of total medical costs for contemporaneous inpatients with non-post-traumatic OM were also collected as controls. RESULTS: A total of 278 post-traumatic OM and 10,420 controls were included. The median cost for the post-traumatic OM inpatients was $10,504 US dollars, 4.8-fold higher than that for those with non-post-traumatic OM ($2189, P < 0.001). The direct cost in the category of materials accounted for the largest proportion (61%), followed by that in pharmaceuticals (12%) and treatment (11%). The median number of hospital admissions for post-traumatic OM patients was 1 time, with a median length-of-stay of 22 d. The most influencing factors for the health care costs of the post-traumatic OM inpatients were use of an external fixator ($16,016 for those who used versus $4956 for those who did not, P < 0.001), external fixator type ($19,563 for ring fixator versus $14,966 for rail fixator, P < 0.001), infection site ($13,755 for tibia, $14,216 for femur and $5673 for calcaneus, P < 0.001), and infection-associated injury type ($12,890 for infection after open fracture versus $8087 for infection after closed fracture, P = 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: An unexpectedly large proportion of the direct health care costs for inpatients with extremity post-traumatic OM went to cover an external fixator, with expenses for pharmaceuticals and treatment accounting for only a little more than the tenth of the total health care costs. Use of external fixator, external fixator type, infection site, and infection-associated injury type directly influenced the health care costs.

Distinguishing bone and soft tissue infections mimicking sarcomas requires multimodal multidisciplinary team assessment.

INTRODUCTION: The aims of this study were to report the presenting characteristics and identify how best to distinguish bone and soft-tissue infections that mimic sarcomas. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 238 (211 osteomyelitis and 27 soft-tissue infections) patients referred to a tertiary sarcoma multidisciplinary team with suspected sarcoma who were ultimately diagnosed with a bone or soft tissue infection were included. Data from a prospectively collated database was analysed retrospectively. RESULTS: Of all possible bone and soft-tissue sarcoma referrals, a diagnosis of infection was made in 2.1% and 0.7%, respectively. Median age was 18 years in the osteomyelitis group and 46 years in the soft-tissue infection group. In the osteomyelitis group, the most common presenting features were pain (85.8%) and swelling (32.7%). In the soft-tissue infection group, the most common clinical features were swelling (96.3%) and pain (70.4%). Those in the soft-tissue group were more likely to have raised inflammatory markers. Radiological investigations were unable to discern between tumour or infection in 59.7% of osteomyelitis and 81.5% of soft-tissue infection cases. No organism was identified in 64.9% of those who had a percutaneous biopsy culture. CONCLUSIONS: This study has highlighted that infection is frequently clinically indistinguishable from sarcoma and remains a principle non-neoplastic differential diagnosis. When patients are investigated for suspected sarcoma, infections can be missed due to falsely negative radiological investigations and percutaneous biopsy. As no single clinical, biochemical or radiological feature or investigation can be relied upon for diagnosis, clinicians should have a low threshold for tissue biopsy and discussion in a sarcoma multidisciplinary team meeting.

Acute and Chronic Suppurative Osteomyelitis of the Jaws: A 10-Year Review and Assessment of Treatment Outcome.

PURPOSE: To review cases of suppurative osteomyelitis of the jaws treated at the Massachusetts General Hospital (Boston, MA) over a 10-year period, evaluate specifics of disease presentation, and answer the clinical question: are there identifiable variables associated with treatment outcome? MATERIALS AND METHODS: A retrospective cohort study was completed using patients treated for suppurative osteomyelitis of the jaws at the Massachusetts General Hospital from April 2006 to October 2016. Inclusion criteria were a diagnosis of suppurative osteomyelitis of the jaw, age older than 18 years, and complete medical records. Patients with nonsuppurative disease, radiation history, or antiresorptive exposure were excluded. Candidate variables included demographic information, medical and dental history, presenting signs and symptoms, and radiologic and laboratory findings. The outcome variable was successful treatment, defined as resolution of symptoms and radiographic evidence of healing after initial treatment. Appropriate statistical analyses were performed with significance set a P value less than .05. RESULTS: Forty-two patients met the inclusion criteria. Mean age was 53 years (range, 20 to 80 yr) and 26 were women (62%). Common comorbidities included cardiovascular disease (52%), tobacco use (45%), and psychiatric disorders (45%). Pain (90%), swelling (86%), and neurosensory change (50%) were the most common findings. Common microbacterial isolates included Streptococcus milleri (74%) and coagulase-negative Staphylococcus species (43%), which showed marked antibiotic resistance. Surgical debridement was the most common intervention (93%). Successful treatment was found in 86%. Of 6 persistent cases, 4 resolved with a second debridement and continued antibiotics and 2 required resection. Increased white blood cell (WBC) count at presentation (P = .005) and associated psychiatric diagnoses (P = .037) were statistically associated with unsuccessful initial treatment. CONCLUSION: The results of this study indicate that antibiotic resistance is commonly encountered in this patient population, although it was not associated with unsuccessful outcome. Patients presenting with increased WBC count and concurrent psychiatric comorbidities required protracted treatment.

Mandibular Osteomyelitis and Cervical Lymphadenitis Due to Mycobacterium abscessus: Surgical Management of a Pediatric Cohort With a Shared Epidemiologic Exposure.

BACKGROUND: Mycobacterium abscessus has been implicated as the cause of various infections in the setting of healthcare-related "outbreaks." Mandibular osteomyelitis caused by M abscessus is exceedingly rare, with only 1 patient reported in the literature. The authors describe the surgical management of 12 pediatric patients with M abscessus-related mandibular osteomyelitis and cervical lymphadenitis caused by exposure to contaminated water at a regional dental clinic. METHODS: Following institutional review board approval, new suspected patients were reviewed and followed prospectively. A multidisciplinary team coordinated the surgical approach, antibiotic regimen, and follow-up for each patient. RESULTS: Twelve patients (median age 7.5 years) received treatment of M abscessus infection. Eleven had mandibular osteomyelitis and underwent debridement along with extraction of affected teeth. Eight had lymphadenitis and underwent excision of involved nodes. Four patients (in whom surgical debridement was considered inadequate) received antibiotic therapy with a regimen of amikacin, cefoxitin, and azithromycin for 4 months. Nine of 12 patients have been followed for a median of 5 months (range 1-11 months); no patient has evidence of persistent clinical infection. Three of 4 patients treated with amikacin have high-frequency hearing loss. CONCLUSIONS: The authors describe a pediatric cohort with mandibular osteomyelitis and cervical lymphadenitis due to M abscessus following pulpotomy at a single dental clinic. Diagnosis required a high index of suspicion. Patients in our series had resolution of infection even without antibiotic therapy, suggesting that early complete surgical debridement and removal of affected lymph nodes can be sufficient as a sole treatment modality.

Epidemiology and Management of Acute Haematogenous Osteomyelitis in a Tertiary Paediatric Center.

Background: Paediatric acute hematogenous osteomyelitis (AHOM) is a serious disease requiring early diagnosis and treatment. To review the clinical presentation, management and organisms responsible for AHOM, and to explore risk factors for complicated AHOM, a large cohort referring to a single center over a 6-year period was evaluated. Methods: Data from children with AHOM, hospitalized between 2010 and 2015, and aged > 1 month, were retrospectively collected and analyzed. Results: 121 children (median age 4.8 years; 55.4% males) were included. Fever at onset was present in 55/121 children (45.5%); the lower limb was most frequently affected (n = 68/121; 56.2%). Microbiological diagnosis (by culture and/or polymerase chain reaction (PCR)) was reached in 33.3% cases. Blood and pus/biopsy culture sensitivities were 32.4% and 46.4%, respectively. PCR sensitivity was 3.6% (2/55) on blood, and 66.6% (16/24) on pus/biopsy sample. Staphylococcus aureus was the most commonly identified pathogen (n = 20); no methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) was isolated, 10.0% (n = 2) strains were Panton-Valentine-Leukocidin (PVL) producer; 48.8% (59/121) cases were complicated. At univariate analysis, factors associated with complicated AHOM were: recent fever episode, fever at onset, upper limb involvement, white blood count (WBC) ≥ 12,000/µL, C reactive protein (CRP) ≥ 10 mg/L, S. aureus infection. At multivariate analyses S. aureus infection remained the only risk factor for complicated AHOM (aOR = 3.388 (95%CI: 1.061-10.824); p-value = 0.039). Conclusions: In this study microbiological diagnosis was obtained in over one third of cases. Empiric treatment targeting methicillin-sensitive Staphylococcus aureus seems to be justified by available microbiological data.

Weakness and pain in arms and legs · dark urine · history of vertebral osteomyelitis · Dx?

Rhabdomyolysis is a serious complication of statin treatment. Both higher statin doses and pharmacokinetic factors can raise statin levels, leading to this serious usclerelated syndrome. Co-administration of statins with drugs that are strong inhibitors of cytochrome P450 (CYP) 3A4 (the main cytochrome P450 isoform that metabolizes most statins) can increase statin levels several fold. The trigger for our patient's statin-induced rhabdomyolysis was fluconazole, a known moderate inhibitor of CYP3A4, which is comparatively weaker than certain potent azoles like itraconazole or ketoconazole.

Stress assessment using hair cortisol of kangaroos affected by the lumpy jaw disease.

The aim of this study was to objectively assess stress of kangaroos affected by lumpy jaw disease (LJD) using plasma and hair cortisol concentrations. The plasma and hair samples were collected from kangaroos with LJD and healthy controls. Collected hair samples were extracted with methanol after washing with isopropanol, following which they were processed with the cortisol enzyme immunoassay kit. The plasma cortisol concentration of LJD animals tended to be higher than that of the control. Ventral hair cortisol, but not dorsal hair, of LJD animals was significantly higher than that of the control. In conclusion, stress in kangaroos infected with LJD could be assessed by measuring ventral hair cortisol.

Multidisciplinary assessment of congenital insensitivity to pain syndrome.

BACKGROUND: Congenital insensitivity to pain and anhidrosis (CIPA) is a rare clinical condition characterized by the absence of normal subjective and objective responses to noxious stimuli in patients with intact central and peripheral nervous systems. CASE PRESENTATIONS: Two patients with CIPA are reported. The first patient was a 13-year-old girl who presented to our hospital with multiple joint destructions secondary to osteomyelitis. The second patient was a 10-year-old boy who presented with multiple hand lesions and right leg osteomyelitis. Our patients were treated with multiple debridements and intravenous antibiotics according to our hospital protocol. CONCLUSION: Early recognition of the disease is important. The treatment for this condition is focused more on the prevention of bone injuries and joint infection, as opposed to a cure. There are no standard techniques or guidelines available to treat this rare disease. Overall, effective CIPA treatment is built around family education and patient training.

ASSESSMENT OF EFFICACY OF THE METHOD OF PROGRAMMED IRRIGATION ASPIRATION SANATION IN COMPLEX TREATMENT OF PATIENTS WITH CHRONIC POSTTRAUMATIC OSTEOMYELITIS OF THE LONG BONES.

The analysis of treatment results of 128 patients aged from 21 to 62 years old with chronic posttraumatic osteomyelitis of the long bones was made at the period from 2006 to 2013. The main group included 67 patients and the method of programmed irrigation aspiration sanation was applied for them. The comparison group consisted of 61 patients and drainage was performed for these patients using the conventional ways. The authors noted good immediate results in the main group in 56 (83,58%) out of 67 patients and in the comparison group - in 43 (70,49%) out of 61 patients. The long-term results were analyzed in 116 (90,6%) out of 128 patients in terms from two to five years after treatment. The rate of recurrences such as formation of purulent fistula were twice less in patients of the main group, than in the comparison group. According to the results of questionnaire SF-36, there was noticed, that patients of the main group got better mean indices of quality of life on all 8 scales compared with the other group.

ECONOMIC ANALYSIS OF TREATMENT OF THE PATIENTS WITH CHRONIC POSTTRAUMATIC OSTEOMYELITIS OF THE SHOULDER BY THE METHOD OF TRANSOSSEOUS OSTEOSYNTHESIS BY ILIZAROV'S APPARATUS.

An analysis of the terms of hospitalization, cost of treatment was made. There were matched the real medical costs of treatment of the patients with chronic posttraumatic osteomyelitis of the shoulder using the method of transosseous osteosynthesis with application of Ilizarov's apparatus and medical costs according to the medical standards of treatment for patients with osteomyelitis. It was shown that actual expenses on drug therapy and expendable materials on one patients were approximately three times higher, than planned expenses according to standard. The presence of different microflora was revealed throughout the bacteriological research of suppurative focus in 25(96%) patients. There was detected an excess of actual expenses on one patient with given nosology compared with standard of financial expenditure from the funds for high-technology medical care from 6 % (average case) to 58% (Bassilus pynocyaneus). The excess of actual expenses from the funds of local program of obligatory medical insurance achieved from 48% (average patient) to 100% (Bassilus pynocyaneus case).

Whole-body Magnetic Resonance Imaging in Chronic Recurrent Multifocal Osteomyelitis: Clinical Longterm Assessment May Underestimate Activity.

OBJECTIVE: (1) To examine how many patients have clinically and/or radiologically active chronic recurrent multifocal osteomyelitis (CRMO) ≥ 10 years after first onset of symptoms, and (2) to compare clinical and whole-body magnetic resonance imaging (WB-MRI) findings. METHODS: Seventeen patients (82% women) who were diagnosed with childhood-onset CRMO at least 10 years (average 12) before reexamination were reevaluated. Patients completed a standardized questionnaire, and underwent clinical and laboratory investigation and WB-MRI. Clinical features were compared with imaging findings. RESULTS: Five patients were found to be in clinical and radiological remission. One of these patients demonstrated 1 radiologically inactive lesion on WB-MRI. Four patients showed radiologically active lesions despite full clinical remission, 2 of them in 3 vertebral bodies. Spinal involvement in 6 patients (35%) caused vertebral compression fractures, vertebra plana, or vertebral hemifusion. Eight patients presented with ongoing clinical disease activity. When applying a CRMO activity score based on clinical and imaging findings, 2 patients were identified as having pain amplification. Overall, 22/55 known CRMO lesions were identified; 11 of them were radiologically active lesions. Additionally, 14 so far unknown clinically silent lesions were detected: 8 radiologically active lesions and 6 radiologically inactive lesions. CONCLUSION: CRMO activity on longterm followup might have been underestimated. Our study demonstrates that clinical remission does not necessarily mean radiological remission. We therefore propose that all patients with CRMO, including patients in clinical remission, require longterm clinical followup and should undergo evaluation with WB-MRI on a regular basis until radiological remission or a steady state of disease is achieved.