Infection Within the Bone

Osteomyelitis is an infection involving the bone caused by various microorganisms such as bacteria and/or fungus. This disorder affects about 2 out of every 10,000 people.

Osteomyelitis can affect both adults and children. The bacteria or fungus that can cause osteomyelitis, differs among age groups as does the location of infection. In adults, osteomyelitis often affects the vertebrae and the pelvis. In children, osteomyelitis usually affects the adjacent ends of long bones. Long bones are large, dense bones that provide strength, structure, and mobility. These include the femur and tibia in the legs.

Osteomyelitis does not occur more commonly in a particular race or gender. However, some people are more at risk for developing the disease. These include: Patients with diabetes, weakened immune system, sickle cell or receiving hemodialysis, IV drug drug abusers or elderly patients.

Symptoms of osteomyeltis, may include:

• Pain and/or tenderness in the infected area
• Swelling and warmth in the infected area
• Fever
• Nausea, secondarily from being ill with infection
• General discomfort, uneasiness, or ill feeling
• Drainage of pus through the skin

There are many ways that infecting bacteria find their way to bone, resulting in the development of osteomyelitis. These include:

• An open injury to the bone or a soft tissue infection

• An infection from elsewhere in the body, such as pneumonia or a urinary tract infection, that has spread to the bone through the blood stream.
• Minor trauma, which can lead to a blood clot around the bone and then a secondary infection from seeding of bacteria.
• Bacteria in the bloodstream, which is deposited in a localized area of the bone.

The objective of treating osteomyelitis is to eliminate the infection and prevent the development of chronic infection. Chronic osteomyelitis can lead to permanent deformity, possible loss of limb, or life and other health issues, so it is important to treat the disease as soon as possible. If you or someone you know is suffering from this condition please contact our office for consultation, 440-946-5858 to prevent the complications noted above.