Abstract
(1) That osteomyelitis is in most cases primarily
a disease of the metaphyseal region of the
long bones.
(2) That there is frequently a history of trauma,
and pre-existing septic foci; but in many
cases it may be impossible to trace the
real origin of the infection.
(3) That the systemic and local manifestations of
the disease vary within wide limits, and
such variation is not wholly dependent on
the nature of the causal organism.
(4) That pyogenic metastases occur.
(5) That two forms of the disease may be recognised,
one in which the general systemic disturbance
is predominant, and the other in which the
local manifestation constitutes the major
feature.
The methods of treatment applicable in
any case, and the prognosis of the case,
differ in these two types.
(6) The treatment of the local lesion is of
secondary importance to the measures adopted
to combat the systemic disturbance and where
these are marked only minimal local measures
are advocated.
(7) That it is doubtful if osteomyelitis is ever
completely cured; recrudescence may occur
after many years.
(8) No matter how prompt and how successful the
treatment may be, recovery is slow, and
healing long delayed.
(9) That improvement of immediate mortality statis-
:tics will be improved not by improved local
operative technique, but by the introduction
of measures capable of combating more
effectively the general septicaemia.
(10) Education of the general public, better general
hygiene of the skin, and improved diet are
necessary if we are to hope for eradication
of the disease or the train of sequelae.
