Osteomyelitis of the rib

Rib osteomyelitis is relatively rare and has three routes: hematogenous, traumatic or iatrogenic, and inflammation spreading contiguously.

Common Symptoms

Infectious fever; bone destruction; anorexia; cardiac stabbing pain; retrosternal burning pain

Causes

Rib osteomyelitis is mostly secondary to Staphylococcus aureus, streptococci, Pseudomonas aeruginosa and tubercle bacillus; Klebsiella can also cause it. It arises via four routes: ① pyogenic diseases such as pneumonia, empyema and furuncles, with pathogens reaching the rib via blood; ② direct spread of chest-wall pyogenic infection to the rib; ③ open chest injury, especially with rib fracture; ④ rib infection after thoracotomy.

Treatment

Medication, supportive treatment, surgery

Prevention

Nothing special to note; early detection and treatment are key.

Recommended Department

It is recommended to visit the cardiothoracic surgery department; before the visit you may first book an appointment and connect with experts through this platform.

Warm reminder: The above information is provided for health education reference only and cannot replace professional medical diagnosis. If you have related symptoms, please seek care at a regular hospital in time.