Osteomyelitis
(Bone Infection)
Medical Author: Jason C. Eck, DO, MS
Medical Editor: William C. Shiel Jr., MD, FACP, FACR
What is osteomyelitis?
Osteomyelitis is infection in the bone. Osteomyelitis can occur in infants, children, and adults. Different types of bacteria typically affect the different age groups. In children, osteomyelitis most commonly occurs at the ends of the long bones of the arms and legs, affecting the hips, knees, shoulders, and wrists. In adults, it is more common in the bones of the spine (vertebrae) or in the pelvis.
What causes osteomyelitis?
There are several different ways to develop osteomyelitis. The first is for bacteria to travel through the bloodstream (bacteremia) and spread to the bone, causing an infection. This most often occurs when the patient has an infection elsewhere in the body, such as pneumonia or a urinary tract infection, that spreads through the blood to the bone.
An open wound over a bone can lead to osteomyelitis. An open fracture where the bone punctures through the skin is also a potential cause.
A recent surgery or injection around a bone can also expose the bone to bacteria and lead to osteomyelitis.
Patients with conditions or taking medications that weaken their immune system are at a higher risk of developing osteomyelitis. These include patients with cancer, chronic steroid use, sickle cell disease, human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), diabetes, hemodialysis, intravenous drug users, and the elderly.
Next: What are the symptoms and signs of osteomyelitis? »
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