Osteomyelitis
Of 163 patients with osteomyelitis seen over 15 years, 139 had a bacteriologic diagnosis made. The high yield was the result of cultures of multiple sources, especially blood and bone. This group (University of Texas, Dallas) suggests that whenever osteomyelitis is suspected, needle aspiration should be performed and the needle inserted subperiosteally or further into bone seeking pus. Whatever material is obtained is stained and cultured. Of 62 aspirations performed, 43 had positive cultures. Of 125 blood cultures performed, 71 were positive.
Comment: The ability to define the etiology of osteomyelitis is of great importance. Needle aspiration improves the average.(R.H.R.)
