ABSTRACT
Micro-organisms may reach the musculoskeletal tissues by (a) direct introduction through the skin (a pinprick, an injection, a stab wound, a laceration, an open fracture or an operation), (b) direct spread from a contiguous focus of infection, or (c) indirect spread via the blood stream from a distant site such as the nose or mouth, the respiratory tract, the bowel or the genitourinary tract.
