Introduction, Definitions and Historical Aspects

Abstract

Cranial osteomyelitis is an uncommon osseous infection with many different etiologies and various clinical presentations that require prompt and definitive treatment. The danger of this complex infectious disease stems from its relationship to the meninges and intracranial structures and the possibility of spreading. In this monograph, we will see the changing traits of cranial osteomyelitis particularly in the past two decades. Although still uncommon in day-to-day practice, it is increasingly important to be aware of this illness and to consider it in the differential diagnosis of appropriate cases as the early diagnosis and treatment have a significant impact on improved outcome. The contemporary neurosurgeon will be increasingly confronted both in the guise of the classic and the transformed form of cranial bone infection. In developed countries, cranial osteomyelitis presents most frequently as a postoperative complication. However, in developing nations, the original profile of otorhingogenic dominated cranial bone infections. Different terminologies and classifications are used for this affection based on a variety of features such as clinical course, pathological/anatomical or imaging features, etiology, and pathogenesis. The aim of this chapter is to introduce this difficult problem and to present the most important historical aspects of cranial bone infection from the era of dinosaurs up to modern times through Hippocrates, Pott, and Gradenigo descriptions.

“One must study to know, know to understand, understand to judge.”

Narada (Ancient Hindu philosopher)

“Life is short, and Art is long; the opportunity fleeting, experience perilous, and decision difficult.”

Hippocrates (Greek physician) 460 BC–377 BC