Osteomyelitis

Osteomyelitis is a bone infection. It occurs when a bacterial or fungal infection penetrates into your bones. Osteomyelitis causes painful swelling in the bone marrow. It may affect any of your bones. Children with osteomyelitis are most likely to have it in their leg or arm bones. Adults typically acquire it in their vertebrae (the bones that form your spine) or hips. If not treated promptly, osteomyelitis can result in irreversible bone loss and necrosis (tissue death).

There are a few types of osteomyelitis:

• Acute osteomyelitis: A bone infection occurs when an infection spreads to the bones. Acute osteomyelitis is the most prevalent kind.
• Vertebral osteomyelitis: Osteomyelitis infects the vertebrae in your spine.
• Chronic osteomyelitis: Bone infections that are not entirely resolved after therapy might persist in your body and recur months or years later. Taking the entire dose of any medication prescribed by your doctor to treat the first infection is the most effective strategy to avoid chronic osteomyelitis.

Symptoms

Osteomyelitis symptoms can vary depending on which type you have and which of your bones are infected. The most common bone infection symptoms include:

• Fever.
• A general feeling of being sick or unwell.
• Bone pain.
• Chills.
• Sweating.
• Nausea and vomiting.
• Skin discoloration.
• Swelling (inflammation).
• A feeling of heat or warmth on your skin.
• Pus or discharge (if the infection is near a wound or surgery site).

Vertebral osteomyelitis also usually causes low back pain. Some people with chronic osteomyelitis dont have symptoms.

Cause

Infections that spread to your bones cause osteomyelitis. It usually happens when an infection on the surface of your skin (like at a wound or a surgery site) gets into your bloodstream and spreads to your bone marrow (the spongy center of some bones).

Risk factors

Anyone can develop an infection that causes osteomyelitis, but some people have a higher risk, including people who:

• Are younger than 20 or older than 50.
• Have open wounds after an injury or trauma.
• Have recently had surgery, especially arthroplasty (joint replacement) or other procedures where surgeons implant pieces into your body—including pins and screws to repair bone fractures (broken bones).
• Experience puncture injuries (something stabbing into your body).
• Have pressure injuries (bedsores).

People with health conditions or who need treatments that weaken their immune system are more likely to develop osteomyelitis, including:

• Sickle cell anemia.
• Diabetes (especially if you have diabetes-related foot ulcers).
• People who take immunosuppressants.
• People who need hemodialysis.

Diagnosis

A healthcare provider will diagnose osteomyelitis with a physical exam and some tests. Theyll ask about your symptoms and when you first noticed them. Tell your provider if youve recently had surgery, an injury, or if youve started new treatments for other health conditions. Your provider will use some of the following tests to diagnose the infection and take pictures of your bones:

• Blood tests.
• X-ray.
• Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).
• Computed tomography (CT) scan.
• Ultrasound.
• Bone scan.
• Bone marrow biopsy.

Treatment

Your doctor will recommend therapies to eliminate the infection and avoid lasting bone damage. The most prevalent osteomyelitis treatments are:

• Antibiotics: To treat a bacterial illness, you will require antibiotics. You may require intravenous (IV) antibiotics for a few weeks before beginning oral (pills taken by mouth) medicines for several weeks afterwards.
• Antifungals: Antifungals cure fungal infections. You'll most likely need oral antifungal drugs for several months.
• Over-the-counter pain relievers: Over-the-counter (OTC) NSAIDs, such as acetaminophen, alleviate pain and inflammation. Your doctor will advise you on the type of anti-inflammatory medication that is appropriate for you and how frequently it can be taken.
• Needle aspiration: Your healthcare provider may use a needle to extract pus or fluid from any abscesses that form.
• Surgery: If you have a serious bone infection or are at high risk of consequences, surgery may be required. If you have vertebral osteomyelitis, you will most likely need surgery.

Prevention

The most efficient way to avoid bone infections is to clean new wounds or cuts and maintain operation sites as sterile. Wash your hands frequently, and use warm, soapy water to clean scratches and wounds. If you have a deep cut, puncture (stab) wound, or have been traumatized, go to the emergency room right away. Inquire with your provider about how to clean the surgical site after any surgery.

Conclusion

Osteomyelitis is a severe bone infection that can cause long-term consequences if not treated properly. While it can affect people of various ages, early discovery and prompt treatment with antibiotics and surgery can lead to better outcomes. If you suspect you have osteomyelitis, seek medical assistance right away to avoid the development of infection and severe bone damage. With the correct technique, most patients may recover and resume normal activities. Visit SHALBY Sanar International Hospitals to learn more.