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Osteomyelitis
Medical Questions » Osteomyelitis
| Name: Osteomyelitis |
| Also known as: |
| A serious but uncommon infection of a bone which is more common in children. The femur (thigh bone), tibia (shin bone) and humerus (upper arm bone) are most commonly affected, but any bone in the body may be involved. |
Causes of Osteomyelitis
Often no obvious cause and the infecting bacteria reaches the bone through the blood. Any cut that penetrates through to the bone leaves it open to infection. |
Symptoms of Osteomyelitis
The infected bone becomes painful, tender and warm, the tissue over it is red and swollen, and the patient is feverish and feels ill. |
Tests for Osteomyelitis
X-rays show bone damage, but often not until several days after the infection has started. Blood tests for the presence of bacteria, plus the appearance of the patient, are usually sufficient to allow the commencement
of treatment. Once the infecting bacteria have been correctly identified, the antibiotic may be changed. |
Treatment for Osteomyelitis
Potent antibiotics, which are often given by injection for several weeks. Strict bed rest is also necessary, and if pus is present in the bone, an operation to drain it is essential.
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Complications of Osteomyelitis of its treatment
Septicemia (see separate entry), permanent damage to the bone and nearby joints, bone death and collapse, persistent infection and damage to the growing area of a bone in a child. |
Likely Outcome of Osteomyelitis
The majority of osteomyelitis cases are controlled and cured by correct treatment. |
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