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Dear Tulisa friends,
Here are three cases of chronic osteomyelitis in Ghanaian boys from Tamale in northern Ghana. We have left them in English so that you can get an idea of how patients and local non-governmental organisations approach us.
Case 1: Tijani – 15-year-old boy
Case 2: Abdul-Rahaman – 13-year-old girl
Case 3: Abdul-Fatawu –
Osteomyelitis, or OM for short, is an acute or chronic inflammation of the bone and bone marrow, usually caused by a bacterial infection.
Chronic osteomyelitis causes fewer general symptoms than the acute form. However, the reduced load-bearing capacity of the bone can lead to severe impairment of mobility. The pain is often dull and recurrent. Fistulas may develop from the site of infection, from which pus and bone sequestra drain. Significant complications include pathological fractures, which are difficult or impossible to heal.
Treatment depends on the underlying cause and is usually protracted. It is generally surgical in nature. Osteonecrosis and sequestrated bone fragments are surgically removed, and fistulas are excised. Antibiotic chains or resorbable antibiotic carriers are inserted in an attempt to prevent bacterial colonisation of the tissue.
In addition, prolonged intravenous antibiotic therapy is usually necessary, which can last from weeks to months. The choice of antibiotic depends on the sensitivity of the pathogens. In the case of hospital-acquired infections, this can be challenging and may require the use of reserve antibiotics, which unfortunately cause serious side effects. Hyperbaric oxygen therapy may also be beneficial as a complementary treatment.
In cases resistant to treatment, amputation of the affected part of the limb is sometimes necessary. We want to prevent this and are hoping for your donation!