Osteomyelitis

In almost all cases, this condition is caused by a bacterial infection. These infections usually occur in one of three ways:

• An infection may occur in another part of the body and spread though the blood and into a bone.
• A breakdown in the skin allows bacteria to go directly into the underlying bone. People with this type of infection often need long-term treatment with antibiotics
• postoperative infections that usually occur after surgical repair of fractures

Common symptoms include:

• constant bone pain, usually in a specific area
• fever
• skin inflammation with redness, heat, drainage of pus, or swelling

The affected skin lies directly over the affected bone. Skin changes only occur in certain cases.

In some cases, osteomyelitis may be present for years without causing any symptoms.

A bacteria calledcauses most cases. However, other bacteria are also possible culprits. The bacteria may enter the bone through the bloodstream or through the skin.

The following conditions increase a person's risk for developing osteomyelitis:

• trauma to the skin or bones, such as surgery, deep skin cuts, and bone fractures or breaks
• chronic skin infections
• diabetes, a condition that causes high blood sugar levels
• poor circulation, which can be caused by diabetes, smoking, and high blood pressure
• intravenous drug use
• artificial joints, such as a knee or hip
• sickle cell anemia, an inherited condition that causes abnormal red blood cells

Most cases cannot be prevented. Avoiding intravenous drug use can prevent cases from this cause. Proper treatment of diabetes and high blood pressure and avoidance of smoking may prevent cases due to poor circulation. Deep wounds should always be monitored by a licensed healthcare provider.

In some cases, the diagnosis is evident from the history and physical exam. In some cases, blood tests or x-rays are needed.

Depending on the case, a standard x-ray of the involved bone, an imaging test called an MRI, or another special scan may be called for.

Sometimes a sample of bone or pus from deep inside a skin wound is examined. The sample can be obtained surgically or by insertion of a needle through the skin.

Many cases are difficult to treat. Severe cases may result in death or loss of a limb. Chronic or repeated infections may occur. These may require multiple surgeries.

This condition is not contagious and generally poses no risk to others.

Antibiotics are usually given for 4 or more weeks. If the infection goes away, no further treatment is needed. This most commonly occurs in children with a first-time infection. Pain medication can be given if needed.

Surgery is often needed, especially in those with diabetes, poor circulation, and artificial joints. People who have repeated or chronic infections also usually need surgery. Surgery may simply involve cleaning the infected bone by scraping and irrigation, called debridement. In other cases, amputation, or removal of affected bones, may be the only alternative. Skin grafts may be needed for skin breakdown if a person has poor circulation to the area. Other treatments may also be needed in certain cases.

Antibiotics may cause allergic reactions, stomach upset, or headaches. Specific side effects depend on the antibiotics used. Surgery can be complicated by bleeding or new infections. Reactions to pain medications may also occur.

In some cases, the person is cured of the infection and needs no more treatment. In other cases, the infection becomes chronic, or comes back, and further treatment and monitoring are needed. The underlying cause, such as diabetes or poor circulation, may also need further treatment.

Symptoms, repeat exams, and repeat blood tests or x-rays may all be used to monitor this condition. Other monitoring is related to the cause. For example, those with diabetes need to check their blood sugar levels often.