Vol. 7, Issue 1, Part A (2025)

Introduction: The aim of our study was to report the epidemiological and therapeutic profile of bone and joint infections (BJIs).

Patients and Methods: This was a prospective, observational, and descriptive cross-sectional study conducted over a 12-month period (April 2022 - May 2023). Patients of both sexes and all age groups were included. The diagnosis was based on a set of clinical signs, supported by laboratory tests, microbiology, and imaging.

Results: BJIs accounted for 14.7% of orthopedic surgical conditions. The average age of patients was 27 years, with a male predominance. Major hemoglobinopathy (sickle cell disease) was found in 12% of patients. The most common types of BJIs were chronic osteomyelitis in 14 cases (32.5%), followed by osteitis in 11 cases (25.6%) and arthritis in 8 cases (18.6%). The pelvic limb was by far the most affected. Medical treatment consisted mainly of long-term antibiotic therapy adapted according to antibiogram results. Surgical management was required in 88.3% of cases. The average hospital stay was 14 days. Functional outcomes were satisfactory in the majority of cases, with no deaths recorded.

Conclusion: Chronic osteomyelitis was the most frequent form of BJI, mainly affecting children, whereas osteitis was more common in adults. Appropriate medical treatment combined with surgery offers the best prognosis.