ABSTRACT
This chapter addresses osteomyelitis in the geriatric population highlighting the various clinical, laboratories and imaging diagnostic methods and the multidisciplinary treatment approach needed to treat the difficult problem. The numerous osteomyelitis classification systems use time, aetiology, mechanism or management as the basis for classification. Osteomyelitis has been described as either acute or chronic based on the length or duration of symptoms. Aetiologic classifications of osteomyelitis focus on the mechanism of occurrence, such as route of entry. The most common classification of osteomyelitis is that of G. Cierny and J. T. Mader which focuses on describing bone pathology and the status of the host or patient. The diagnosis of osteomyelitis in the geriatric population can be made using existing clinical and laboratory tools in conjunction with imaging modalities. Magnetic resonance imaging has become an excellent modality to identify osteomyelitis and it can delineate between infected bone and adjacent soft tissue involvement.
