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Definition Return to top
Osteomyelitis is an acute or chronic bone infection, usually caused by bacteria.Causes, incidence, and risk factors Return to top
The infection that causes osteomyelitis often is in another part of the body and spreads to the bone via the blood. Affected bone may have been predisposed to infection because of recent trauma.
In children, the long bones are usually affected. In adults, the vertebrae and the pelvis are most commonly affected. Bone infection can be caused by bacteria or by fungus. When the bone is infected, pus is produced within the bone, which may result in an abscess. The abscess then deprives the bone of its blood supply.
Chronic osteomyelitis results when bone tissue dies as a result of the lost blood supply. Chronic infection can persist intermittently for years.
Risk factors are recent trauma, diabetes, hemodialysis, and intravenous drug abuse. People who have had their spleen removed are also at higher risk for osteomyelitis.
The incidence of osteomyelitis is 2 in 10,000 people.
Symptoms Return to top
Signs and tests Return to top
A physical examination shows bone tenderness and possibly swelling and redness.Treatment Return to top
The objective of treatment is to eliminate the infection and prevent the development of chronic infection.Expectations (prognosis) Return to top
The outcome is usually good with adequate treatment of acute osteomyelitis.
The prognosis is worse for chronic osteomyelitis, even with surgery. Resistant or extensive chronic osteomyelitis may result in amputation, especially in diabetics or other patients with poor blood circulation.
Complications Return to top
Calling your health care provider Return to top
Call your health care provider if you have symptoms of osteomyelitis, or if you have osteomyelitis and the symptoms persist despite treatment.Prevention Return to top
Prompt and complete treatment of infections is helpful. High-risk people should see a health care provider promptly if they have signs of an infection anywhere in the body. Update Date: 7/8/2004 Updated by: Daniel Levy, M.D., Ph.D., Infectious Diseases, Greater Baltimore Medical Center, Baltimore, MD. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.
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Page last updated: 28 October 2004 |