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Osteomyelitis

Bone infection

 

Osteomyelitis is a bone infection. It is mainly caused by bacteria or other germs.

Causes

 

Bone infection is most often caused by bacteria. But it can also be caused by fungi or other germs. When a person has osteomyelitis:

  • Bacteria or other germs may spread to a bone from infected skin, muscles, or tendons next to the bone. This may occur under a skin sore.
  • The infection can start in another part of the body and spread to the bone through the blood.
  • The infection can also start after bone surgery. This is more likely if the surgery is done after an injury or if metal rods or plates are placed in the bone.

In children, the long bones of the arms or legs are most often involved. In adults, the feet, spine bones (vertebrae), and hips (pelvis) are most commonly affected.

Risk factors are:

  • Diabetes
  • Hemodialysis
  • Poor blood supply
  • Recent injury
  • Use of injected illegal drugs
  • Surgery involving bones
  • Weakened immune system

 

Symptoms

 

Symptoms of osteomyelitis are not specific and vary with age. Main symptoms include:

  • Bone pain
  • Excessive sweating
  • Fever and chills
  • General discomfort, uneasiness, or ill feeling ( malaise )
  • Local swelling , redness, and warmth
  • Open wound that may show pus
  • Pain at the site of infection

 

Exams and Tests

 

A physical exam shows bone tenderness and possible swelling and redness in the area around the bone.

Tests may include:

  • Blood cultures
  • Bone biopsy (the sample is cultured and examined under a microscope)
  • Bone scan
  • Bone x-ray
  • Complete blood count ( CBC )
  • C-reactive protein ( CRP )
  • Erythrocyte sedimentation rate ( ESR )
  • MRI of the bone
  • Needle aspiration of the area of the affected bones

 

Treatment

 

The goal of treatment is to get rid of the infection and reduce damage to the bone and surrounding tissues.

Antibiotics are given to destroy the bacteria causing the infection:

  • You may receive more than 1 antibiotic at a time.
  • Antibiotics are taken for at least 4 to 6 weeks, often at home through an IV (intravenously, meaning through a vein).

Surgery may be needed to remove dead bone tissue if the above methods fail:

  • If there are metal plates near the infection, they may need to be removed.
  • The open space left by the removed bone tissue may be filled with bone graft or packing material. This promotes the growth of new bone tissue.

Infection that occurs after joint replacement may require surgery. This is done to to remove the replaced joint and infected tissue in the area. A new prosthesis may be implanted in the same operation. More often, doctors wait until the infection has gone away.

If you have diabetes , it will need to be well controlled. If there are problems with blood supply to the infected area, such as the foot, surgery may be needed to improve blood flow and get rid of the infection.

 

Outlook (Prognosis)

 

With treatment, the outcome for acute osteomyelitis is often good.

The outlook is worse for those with long-term (chronic) osteomyelitis. Symptoms may come and go for years, even with surgery. Amputation may be needed, especially in people with diabetes or poor blood circulation.

The outlook for people with an infection of a prosthesis depends partly on:

  • The person's health
  • The type of infection
  • Whether the infected prosthesis can be safely removed

 

When to Contact a Medical Professional

 

Call your health care provider if you:

  • Develop symptoms of osteomyelitis
  • Have osteomyelitis that continues even with treatment

 

 

Open References

References

Berbari EF, Steckelberg JM, Osmon DR. Osteomyelitis. In: Bennett JE, Dolin R, Blaser MJ, eds. Mandell, Douglas, and Bennett's Principles and Practice of Infectious Diseases . 8th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier Saunders; 2015:chap 106.

Matteson EL, Osmon DR. Infections of bursae, joints, and bones. In: Goldman L, Schafer AI, eds. Goldman's Cecil Medicine . 25th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier Saunders; 2016:chap 272.

Raukar NP, Zink BJ. Bone and joint infections. In: Marx JA, Hockberger RS, Walls RM, et al, eds. Rosen's Emergency Medicine . 8th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier Saunders; 2014:chap 136.

 
  • X-ray

    X-ray - illustration

    X-rays are a form of ionizing radiation that can penetrate the body to form an image on film. Structures that are dense (such as bone) will appear white, air will be black, and other structures will be shades of gray depending on density. X-rays can provide information about obstructions, tumors, and other diseases, especially when coupled with the use of barium and air contrast within the bowel.

    X-ray

    illustration

  • Skeleton

    Skeleton - illustration

    The skeleton consists of groups of bones which protect and move the body.

    Skeleton

    illustration

  • Osteomyelitis

    Osteomyelitis - illustration

    Osteomyelitis is infection in the bones. Often, the original site of infection is elsewhere in the body, and spreads to the bone by the blood. Bacteria or fungus may sometimes be responsible for osteomyelitis.

    Osteomyelitis

    illustration

    • X-ray

      X-ray - illustration

      X-rays are a form of ionizing radiation that can penetrate the body to form an image on film. Structures that are dense (such as bone) will appear white, air will be black, and other structures will be shades of gray depending on density. X-rays can provide information about obstructions, tumors, and other diseases, especially when coupled with the use of barium and air contrast within the bowel.

      X-ray

      illustration

    • Skeleton

      Skeleton - illustration

      The skeleton consists of groups of bones which protect and move the body.

      Skeleton

      illustration

    • Osteomyelitis

      Osteomyelitis - illustration

      Osteomyelitis is infection in the bones. Often, the original site of infection is elsewhere in the body, and spreads to the bone by the blood. Bacteria or fungus may sometimes be responsible for osteomyelitis.

      Osteomyelitis

      illustration

    Tests for Osteomyelitis

     
       

      Review Date: 3/13/2016

      Reviewed By: Jatin M. Vyas, MD, PhD, Assistant Professor in Medicine, Harvard Medical School; Assistant in Medicine, Division of Infectious Disease, Department of Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Isla Ogilvie, PhD, and the A.D.A.M. Editorial team.

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