Microbiology of secondary osteomyelitis. Value of bone biopsy.

Secondary osteomyelitis occurs as a direct infection of bone from a source outside the body or as progressive and continuous spread of infection from a contiguous focus. Twenty patients with secondary osteomyelitis were studied. Pathogens were identified by culture of biopsy material from infected bone. Staphylococcus aureus accounted for most cases in the upper limbs, while infection in the lower limbs was predominantly associated with Gram-negative bacilli. The essential value of bone biopsy in treatment is emphasised.