Osteomyelitis is an infection of the bone. It needs to be treated early to get rid of the infection and prevent damage to the bone. Show
What are the symptoms of osteomyelitis?If you have osteomyelitis, you may experience:
What are the causes of osteomyelitis?In most cases, osteomyelitis is caused by a type of bacteria found on the skin, the staphylococcus bacteria. The bone may become infected after an injury, such as a bone fracture, or surgery. Osteomyelitis can also develop when an infection in another part of the body, such as a urinary tract infection or pneumonia, spreads through the blood to the bone. When osteomyelitis develops as a result of an infection, injury or underlying condition, it is called acute osteomyelitis. If the condition continues or keeps coming back, it is called chronic osteomyelitis. Osteomyelitis is more common in people who have immune system problems or a chronic disease such as diabetes, HIV, rheumatoid arthritis, sickle cell anemia or kidney disease that requires dialysis. How is osteomyelitis diagnosed?Your doctor may diagnose osteomyelitis by examining you, doing a blood test or swabbing the wound. Although a blood test cannot tell whether you have osteomyelitis, it may be used to detect signs of infection, including the bacteria causing the infection. Sometimes your doctor will take a tissue or bone biopsy, where a small piece of bone is removed for testing. They may do imaging tests such as x-rays, MRI, CT scan, bone scan or ultrasound. How is osteomyelitis treated?Acute osteomyelitis is usually treated with antibiotics for at least 4 to 6 weeks. The antibiotics are first given intravenously (through a vein), then as tablets once symptoms improve. In more severe cases, and for chronic osteomyelitis, surgery may be needed to remove damaged bone or tissue, or infected plates or screws. Osteomyelitis can be successfully treated. However, it is important to prevent it from happening again. Your doctor will advise you on the steps you should take.
Bacteria and fungi can cause osteomyelitis. This painful bone infection causes swelling that can damage bone and lead to bone loss. Fast treatment with antibiotics often works. Some people need surgery to drain abscesses or remove damaged bone. Young children, the elderly and people with diabetes are most at risk for osteomyelitis.
Osteomyelitis is a bone infection caused by bacteria or fungi. It causes painful swelling of bone marrow, the soft tissue inside your bones. Without treatment, swelling from this bone infection can cut off blood supply to your bone, causing bone to die. What is bone marrow?Certain bones in your skeletal system, such as the hip and thighbones, contain soft, spongy tissue. This tissue, called bone marrow, makes stem cells that produce blood cells and platelets. How common is osteomyelitis?Osteomyelitis affects about 2 to 5 out of every 10,000 people. It’s one of the oldest diseases on record. Scientists have traced it back more than 250 million years. Who might have osteomyelitis?Osteomyelitis affects people of all ages and genders. Children younger than 3, the elderly and people with serious medical conditions are more prone to the condition. In children, the infection is more likely to affect long bones, such as those found in the legs and arms. In adults, bone infections more often target the spine. What are the types of osteomyelitis?Types of osteomyelitis include:
Osteomyelitis occurs when bacteria from nearby infected tissue or an open wound circulate in your blood and settle in bone, where they multiply. Staphylococcus aureus bacteria (staph infection) typically cause osteomyelitis. Sometimes, a fungus or other germ causes a bone infection. You’re more at risk for getting osteomyelitis if you have: What are the symptoms of osteomyelitis?Osteomyelitis signs vary depending on the type and cause. Some people with chronic osteomyelitis don’t have any symptoms. In addition to pain, the infected area may be red, warm, swollen and tender to touch. Other signs of osteomyelitis include:
After assessing your symptoms and performing a physical exam, your healthcare provider may order one or more of these tests:
Complications of osteomyelitis include:
How is osteomyelitis managed or treated?A bone infection can take a long time to heal. The infection may clear up faster if you start treatment within three to five days of first noticing symptoms. Treatments include:
Surgery is sometimes needed to treat bone infections. You’ll need antibiotics after surgery. Surgical options include:
It’s important to clean and treat wounds to keep out bacteria and prevent infections. If you’ve had a recent bone break or surgery, or have an artificial joint, contact your healthcare provider at the first sign of any infection. But in many instances, there isn’t anything you can do to prevent osteomyelitis.
Most people with osteomyelitis recover with treatment. Your prognosis is better the earlier you catch the infection and start treatment. Untreated or chronic infections may permanently damage bones, muscles and tissues.
You should call your healthcare provider if you’re at risk for a bone infection and experience:
What questions should I ask my doctor?You may want to ask your healthcare provider:
A note from Cleveland Clinic Osteomyelitis is a serious condition that requires immediate treatment. Most bone infections go away when you take antibiotics. Be sure to take all your prescribed medication even if you start feeling better. Stopping medications too soon can allow the infection to return. If you’re at risk for osteomyelitis, talk to your healthcare provider about the warning signs of infection so you know when to seek prompt medical care.
Last reviewed by a Cleveland Clinic medical professional on 12/01/2021. References
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