Pronounced: OS-tee-oh-my-uh-LITE-is
En Espaol (Spanish Version)Definition
Osteomyelitis is an infection of the bone.
Causes
Osteomyelitis can occur as a result of an injury to the bone, or an infection in the body carried by the blood to the bone. The infection may be acute or chronic.
In adults, the pelvis and vertebrae are the most common sites. In children, the long bones are most likely to be affected.
Risk Factors
A risk factor is something that increases your chance of getting a disease or condition. Risk factors include:
- Age: young children and older adults
- Sex: male
- Trauma or injury to the bone and skin
- Broken bones, especially if open to or sticking through the skin
- Diabetes mellitus
- Kidney dialysis
- Intravenous drug abuse
- Weakened immune system
- Poor circulation
- Sickle cell anemia
- After any operation on a joint or bone, such as a hip replacement or internal fixation of a fracture
Symptoms
Symptoms include:
- Bone pain
- Fever or chills
- Tenderness, warmth, swelling, or redness of the skin or joint
- Drainage of pus
- Nausea
- Fatigue or irritability
- Restricted movement of the area
- A sore over bone that does not heal
Skin Infection Spreading to Bone
2008 Nucleus Medical Art, Inc.
Diagnosis The doctor will ask about your symptoms and medical history, and perform a physical exam. Tests may include: Blood teststo check for signs of infectionNeedle aspiration of a jointuse of a needle to remove a sample for testing and cultureBone biopsy removal of a sample of bone to test for abnormal cells X-rays bone and tissue changes on x-ray may indicate osteomyelitis Bone scan a series of pictures of bones taken after injection of a small amount of radioactive material that highlights the bones CT or MRI radiographic tests to evaluate for any bone changes that may indicate osteomyelitis TreatmentOsteomyelitis is treated with antibiotics. They are given intravenously and sometimes orally. Acute osteomyelitis is treated for at least 4-6 weeks. Chronic osteomyelitis may require antibiotics for a longer period of time. The doctor may immobilize the affected area with a splint and recommend avoiding any weight bearing on the area. Surgery For chronic infection, surgery may be required to: Clean infected bone via scraping and irrigating the areaRemove any fragments of dead bone or tissue that may prolong the infectionIn severe cases, amputation may be necessary.
Skin Graft In some situations, the doctor may recommend a skin graft . The skin in the affected area is replaced with healthy skin taken from another part of the body. Prevention To reduce your risk of getting osteomyelitis: Seek immediate medical care for infections or injuries.Keep diabetes under good control.Do not use illegal drugs.See your doctor for any sores that do not heal.Do not smoke. RESOURCES: American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeonshttp://www.aaos.org US National Library of Medicinehttp://www.nlm.nih.gov CANADIAN RESOURCES Canadian Orthopaedic Associationhttp://www.coa-aco.org Canadian Orthopaedic Foundationhttp://www.canorth.org/default.asp References: Bone and joint infections. Mayo Clinic Health Letter . February 26, 2001. Carek PJ, Dickerson LM, Sack JL. Diagnosis and management of osteomyelitis. Am Fam Physician . 2001 Jun 15;63(12). Dambro MR. Griffith's 5-Minute Clinical Consult . 2001 ed. Philadelphia, PA: Lippincott Williams & Wilkins; 2001. Last reviewed October 2007 by Robert E. Leach, MDPlease be aware that this information is provided to supplement the care provided by your physician. It is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. CALL YOUR HEALTHCARE PROVIDER IMMEDIATELY IF YOU THINK YOU MAY HAVE A MEDICAL EMERGENCY. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.
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