What is the most common pathway of spread for osteomyelitis?

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What is the most common pathway of spread for osteomyelitis?

Hematogenous spread is the most common way osteomyelitis develops. Bacteria circulating in the bloodstream can lodge in bone, especially in areas with slowed flow and rich blood supply like the metaphyses of growing long bones in children. This makes the bone vulnerable to infection from bloodstream bacteria. Direct contiguous spread from a nearby infection can occur, but it’s more common in adults with adjacent soft-tissue or joint infections. Lymphatic and neural pathways are not typical routes for osteomyelitis.

Hematogenous spread is the most common way osteomyelitis develops. Bacteria circulating in the bloodstream can lodge in bone, especially in areas with slowed flow and rich blood supply like the metaphyses of growing long bones in children. This makes the bone vulnerable to infection from bloodstream bacteria. Direct contiguous spread from a nearby infection can occur, but it’s more common in adults with adjacent soft-tissue or joint infections. Lymphatic and neural pathways are not typical routes for osteomyelitis.

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