Osteomyelitis
(Bone Infection)

Swine Flu (H1N1) Vaccine Slideshow Swine Flu (H1N1) FAQ Slideshow Strep or Sore Throat Slideshow

Medical Author: Jason C. Eck, DO, MS
Medical Editor: William C. Shiel Jr., MD, FACP, FACR

• What is osteomyelitis?
• What causes osteomyelitis?
• What are the symptoms and signs of osteomyelitis?
• How is osteomyelitis diagnosed?
• What is the treatment for osteomyelitis?
• What is the prognosis for osteomyelitis?
• Osteomyelitis At A Glance

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.

Suggested Reading by Our Doctors

• Complete Blood Count (CBC) - A complete blood count (CBC) measures the concentration of white blood cells, red blood cells, and platelets in the blood and aids in the diagnosis of conditions and diseases such as anemia, malignancies, and immune disorders.
• Urinary Tract Infection (UTI In Adults) - Learn about urinary tract infection causes, symptoms, signs, diagnosis and treatment of UTIs in men and women. Antibiotics may be used to treat recurrent bladder infections.
• CT Scan (Computerized Axial Tomography) - CT Scan (Computerized Axial Tomography, CAT scan) is a procedure that assists in diagnosing tumors, fractures, bony structures, and infections in the organs and tissues of the body.

Read more Osteomyelitis related articles »

Latest Medical News

• Can Symptoms Predict Ovarian Cancer?
• Blood Test May Predict Rheumatoid Arthritis
• 'Ghostly' Drug May Help Fight RA
• Arthritis Doesn't Slow Typing