Osteomyelitis of the ribs in the antibiotic era

J. Bishara, D. Gartman-Israel, M. Weinberger, S. Maimon, G. Tamir, S. Pitlik*

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Contribution to journalReview articlepeer-review

41 Scopus citations

Abstract

A total of 106 cases of rib osteomyelitis were reviewed, including 2 cases described in detail. Mycobacterial and bacterial infections accounted for 47 cases each. Fungal rib osteomyelitis occurred in 11 cases and 1 case was caused by Entamoeba histolytica. Most cases occurred in children and young adults. The mean duration of symptoms before diagnosis was 16, 26 and 32 weeks for bacterial, mycobacterial and fungal rib osteomyelitis, respectively. Common clinical signs were fever (73%), soft tissue mass (64%) and chest pain (60%). Route of infection was defined in 85 cases: 62% from contiguous spread and 38% via haematogenous route of infection. Eighty-nine percent had a favourable outcome after antimicrobial therapy with or without surgery. In conclusion, rib osteomyelitis is a rare infection of various aetiologies. The majority of cases occur in children and young adults and its diagnosis is usually delayed for several weeks.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)223-227
Number of pages5
JournalScandinavian Journal of Infectious Diseases
Volume32
Issue number3
DOIs
StatePublished - 2000
Externally publishedYes

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