Treatment of bone infections in children in low-income countries – A practical guideline based on clinical cases

Abstract

In low-income countries (LIC), the management of bone infections is a huge challenge. A high number of patients are in the pediatric age group. Children and adolescents exhibit good bone healing potential offering treatment options that mainly rely on the biological response of the infected bone. The purpose of this article is to highlight treatment options for these patients in LIC, which is based on clinical cases that illustrate the principles of the treatment, focusing on bone reaction and healing potential.First, identification of emergency cases is of importance. Sepsis of the patient due to bone infections is a life-threatening disease that requires immediate surgical attention with abscess incision. It should be tailored to the surgeon's experience and local conditions to avoid unwanted complications, such as excessive bleeding, fracture or bone loss.In non-septic patients, uncomplicated cases should be distinguished from complicated cases as the first might often require only abscess incision, particularly in small children, without any other major surgical intervention.Biomechanical stability and bone formation capacity, soft tissue conditions and joint involvement are decisive factors differentiating uncomplicated from complicated cases. Central treatment column is the immobilization of the infected bone with simple methods, such as plaster of Paris, braces or external fixation. This is intended to provide sufficient stability to allow for new bone formation that subsequently downsizes the infection site and that can bridge previously infected non-union sites or bone defects. In most cases, antibiotic treatment is not performed as antibiotics are not available or affordable.Severe soft tissue defects remain a major challenge as microvascular surgical experience is often required for reliable coverage, for which referral to one of the very few specialized centers is recommended. Major bone defects should also be treated in centers with sufficient expertise for bone reconstruction procedures. Regular follow-ups are important to ensure healing and to avoid aggravation of the disease.Encouraging success rates can be achieved by these treatment principles. However, it should not be forgotten that poverty in these countries, including limited access to health care, remains one of the world's most important problems.