The Beit-Cure Classification of Childhood Osteomyelitis

Description

In this presentation, Jim Harrison shares his deep passion and extensive experience regarding children's osteomyelitis, particularly garnered during his 11 years of service in Malawi with Cure International, which operates children's reconstruction hospitals in low-income countries. Harrison, although not a pediatric orthopaedic surgeon or infection specialist, highlights the urgent issue of chronic osteomyelitis in impoverished regions, emphasizing the lack of literature and guidelines on the subject upon his arrival. He discusses the social isolation experienced by affected children and the importance of addressing their suffering.



Harrison outlines his journey in developing a classification system for this condition, detailing the various forms and subcategories of osteomyelitis using simple radiograph analyses, which can be applied in low-resource settings. He introduces his classification system break down into forms A, B, and C, where 'B' forms represent the majority of cases and discuss their characteristics, treatment challenges, and prognosis. He notes that the effects of osteomyelitis can lead to significant complications, including limb defects and issues with growth, necessitating innovative treatment options. Harrison concludes by stressing the need for further studies and advancements in osteomyelitis care in impoverished countries, leaving a call to action for the medical community to develop better solutions for these vulnerable children.

DOI: 10.1302/3114-221418

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