Periostitis

Periostitis, inflammation of the periosteum, the tough fibrous membrane which surrounds the various bones (see BONE). It generally occurs on the surface of thinly-covered bones, such as the tibia, clavicles, and cranial bones. Its chief causes are (1) a syphilitic taint; (2) rheumatism; and (3) scrofula; but its occurrence is often determined by injury to the part. The affection, especially when due to the first or second of the above causes, is usually accompanied with considerable nocturnal pain. If the disease occurs in an acute form it must be treated with leeches, fomentations, and the other ordinary antiphlogistic remedies. If severe, an incision through the inflamed tissue is sometimes the most effectual treatment.