CHRONIC OSTEOMYELITIS;

MICROBIOLOGY OF LONG BONES IN A TERTIARY CARE HOSPITAL

Abstract

Objectives: To determine the causative organism of long bone chronic osteomylitis through culture of the sequestrum. Study
design: Descriptive case series. Setting and duration: Orthopaedic Surgery Unit, Mardan Medical Complex Teaching hospital, Bacha Khan
Medical College, Mardan, KPK, Pakistan from September 2011 to April 2012. Methodology: Twenty five patients with radiologically proven
chronic osteomyelitis of long bones who had been free of antibiotic therapy for at least 48 hours, excluding those with diabetic foot, decubitus
ulcers, and infected implant. At least one specimen of sequestrum was taken from each individual and subjected to complete microbiologic
analysis. Results: Staphylococcus aureus was the most frequently found organism (n=11, 44%), followed by Enterobacteriaceae (n=5, 20%),
coagulase-negative staphylococci (n=3,12%) Escherichia coli (n=2, 8%) P aeruginosa (n=1, 4%), Streptococcus species (n=1, 4%) and no
growth (n=2, 8%).More than one microorganism was isolated in two (8%) patients. Conclusions: Staphylococcus aureus was the most
common organism isolated. Sequestrum culture provides accurate identification of causative bacteria.