periostitis

Inflammation of the periosteum or fibrous membrane covering the surface of the bones. It may be due to injury or infection. In acute infective cases swelling and suppuration occur, and septicaemia may follow. Chronic periostitis may be due to infection from syphilis, tuberculosis, or actinomycosis, or may be arthritic in origin. Osteitis and osteomyelitis, affecting the bone substance and the bone marrow respectively, may be associated with periostitis. Abscesses must be drained surgically. Antibiotic therapy has reduced the severity of this disease.