Osteomyelitis of the ribs in the antibiotic era

A total of 106 cases of rib osteomyelitis were reviewed, including 2 cases described in detail. Mycobacterial and bacterial infections accounted for 4 7 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 we eks 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%,ia haematogenous route of infection. Eighty-nine percent ha d a favourable outcome after antimicrobial therapy with or without surgery. In conclusion, rib osteomyelitis is a rare infection of various aetiologie s. The majority of cases occur in children and young adults and its diagnos is is usually delayed for several weeks.