Pyomyositis (infection of the muscle)

General or Other | Orthopaedics | Pyomyositis (infection of the muscle) (Disease)


Description

Pyomyositis, also known as tropical pyomyositis or myositis tropicans, is a bacterial infection of the skeletal muscles which results in a pus-filled abscess. Pyomyositis is most common in tropical areas but can also occur in temperate zones.

Causes and Risk factors

Pyomyositis is most often caused by the bacterium Staphylococcus aureus. The infection can affect any skeletal muscle, but most often infects the large muscle groups such as the quadriceps or gluteal muscles.

Infection often follows minor trauma and is more common in the tropics, where it accounts for 4% of all hospital admissions.

Diagnosis and Treatment

The abscesses within the muscle must be drained surgically (not all patient require surgery if there is no abscess). Antibiotics are given for a minimum of three weeks to clear the infection.

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