Resolute purulent discharge is most often seen in which type of osteomyelitis?

• A. Acute osteomyelitis
• B. Subacute osteomyelitis
• C. Chronic osteomyelitis
• D. Hematogenous osteomyelitis

Answer: (C)

Persistent purulent discharge from bone points to chronic osteomyelitis. In chronic infection the bone forms a sequestrum and a sinus tract develops that continuously drains pus over time. This draining sinus is a hallmark of a long-standing, low-grade infection, not of the abrupt, systemic presentation seen with acute osteomyelitis. Subacute osteomyelitis can have milder symptoms, but persistent drainage is less characteristic than in the chronic form. Hematogenous osteomyelitis describes how the infection reaches the bone and can be acute or chronic, but the defining feature here—the resolute drainage—best fits chronic osteomyelitis.