Frequency of Location, Type of Microorganisms and Surgical Intervention in Intravenous Drug Users with Osteomyelitis and Septic Arthritis

Background: Infection is a major problem in intravenous drug users (IVDUs). Skeletal infections, especially osteomyelitis and septic arthritis are common causes for admitting these patients. In addition to antibiotic therapy, surgical intervention for diagnosis or treatment is often needed. The aim of this survey was to determine the frequency of location, type of microorganisms and surgical intervention in intravenous drug users with skeletal infection. Methods: In a cross-sectional survey, all intravenous drug users with skeletal infections admitted in infections ward and orthopedic ward of Al-Zahra hospital in Isfahan, Iran were enrolled in this study. Data were collected by questionnaire and were analyzed by descriptive statistics. Finding: Thirty three patients were admitted during this period; among them 6 patients (18.2%) were diagnosed as osteomyelitis and 27 (81.8%) as septic arthritis. Knee was the most foci of infection. Staphilococus aurous was the most etiologic agent. Seven patients with septic arthritis and one with osteomyelitis went under surgical operation. Conclusion: Skeletal infections are common among intravenous drug users. Skeletal infections always should be considered especially if the patient has soft tissue infections to prevent more complications. Key words: Osteomyelitis, Septic arthritis, Intravenous drug user.