Osteomyelitis Bone Infection

Osteomyelitis - bone infection caused by bacteria infestation that can occur in infants, children, and adults.

Osteomyelitis Bone Infection Symptoms

Adult osteomyelitis bone infection commonly occurs at the ends of the long bones like arms and legs, affecting the hips, knees, shoulders, and wrists. Accompanying symptoms may be fever, swelling or redness over the affected bone, stiffness, and nausea.

Child osteomyelitis bone infection typically affects the spine or in the pelvis, causing pain, tenderness and weakness in the affected bones and joints.

Osteomyelitis Bone Infection Causes

Different types of bacteria typically affect the different age groups. Bacteria infections are a common cause of osteomyelitis infections. It is common when the patient has an infection elsewhere in the body, such as pneumonia, urinary tract infection, or a wound through which the infectious bacteria may enter.

Open bone fractures are a common way for bacteria to enter the body, especially if the wound is not properly disinfected.

Osteomyelitis Bone Infection Diagnosis and Treatement

Osteomyelitis bone infection diagnosis consists of personal and family history of this and other bone diseases. The doctor then checks for areas of tenderness, redness, swelling, decreased or painful range of motion, and open sores. Further testing may be blood tests to check for bacteria in the blood, and imaging tests like x-rays and MRI scans to detect bone deformities.

The first treatment is usually rest to see if the problem goes away on its own. If it does not, osteomyelitis infection can be treated with anti-inflammatory and pain medications and antibiotics. If non-invasive treatments do not help, surgery can be an option.

Patients typically get to full recovery from the Osteomyelitis bone infection if it is diagnosed and treated properly. If Osteomyelitis is not treated for a long time, there can be severe damage to the bone or surrounding soft tissues that can lead to permanent deficits.