Foreword

Article Outline

• Copyright

Osteomyelitis can be relatively difficult to diagnosis and treat in a primary care practice. Its presenting symptom complex is often vague and nonspecific. The classical history of cyclical pain, progressing in severity until the exudative process breaks through the bony fistula, is relatively rarely encountered in the office setting. Certainly, risk factors and precipitating causes can aid in identifying this condition. However, confirmation of this bone marrow infection is an onerous process due to the progression, anatomic location, and causative organism. Furthermore, the prolonged course of parenteral antibiotics makes treatment logistically tedious. This comprehensive review by Drs Chihara and Segretti serves as an excellent guide for the primary physician.