The Cierny-Mader classification of osteomyelitis is based on two criteria. Which pair correctly defines this classification system?

• A Duration (acute/chronic) and organism type (gram-positive/negative)
• B Bone involved (long bone/flat bone) and degree of bone destruction
• C Age of patient (pediatric/adult) and presence of hardware
• D Anatomic type (medullary/superficial/localized/diffuse) and host class (A/B/C) ✓

Explanation

Cierny-Mader classification uses two axes: (1) Anatomic type — Type I: medullary (endosteal); Type II: superficial (outer cortex only); Type III: localized (cortical ± medullary); Type IV: diffuse (entire bone, requires segmental stabilization); and (2) Host class — Class A: normal host; Class B: local (Bl) or systemic (Bs) host compromise; Class C: benefits of treatment outweighed by risks. The 12 possible stage combinations guide surgical and medical management decisions. This is the most comprehensive staging system for adult osteomyelitis.

Reference: Maheshwari Essential Orthopaedics, 6th ed.

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Written and medically reviewed by the StethoPrep medical team.