What is Osteomyelitis?

What Causes Osteomyelitis?

Bone infection may begin through a skin wound, enter from the outside through an open fracture or occur directly after surgery. Diabetes, poor circulation, reduced immunity and infection around a joint replacement increase risk. In some cases, infection travels to bone through the bloodstream from another site.

Symptoms

• Constant, deep pain focused over one bone
• Local warmth, redness and tenderness to touch
• Fever, chills or marked fatigue
• Drainage from a surgical incision or wound

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does osteomyelitis treatment take?

Duration depends on whether the infection is new or chronic, the organism, bone blood supply and the presence of an implant. Blood tests, cultures and MRI help establish the diagnosis. Alongside targeted antibiotics, removal of dead tissue or assessment of an implant may be needed, with care coordinated by orthopaedic and infectious disease teams.