Osteomyelitis
Osteomyelitis is an infection of the bone usually caused by bacteria.
Most cases are caused by bacteria called Staphylococcal infections , commonly found on the skin or in the nose.
Your bones are usually resistant to infection, but can become infected when:
Blood infections that spread to the bone are more common in children than adults. This may be because childrens bones are still developing, which makes them more vulnerable. Also, a child's immune system (the bodys natural defence against infection and illness) is still developing, so it's less effective at fighting off infection.
Infection after injury, particularly to the foot or ankle, is the most common cause of osteomyelitis in adults.
When an infection develops inside a bone, the immune system will attempt to stop it with infection-fighting white blood cells.
If the infection is not treated and the immune system is unable to deal with the bacteria, a collection of dead white blood cells will build up inside the bone, forming a pocket of pus known as an abscess .
In cases of chronic osteomyelitis, abscesses can block the blood supply to the bone, which will eventually cause the bone to die. Dead bone with no blood supply must be removed if infection is to be cleared.
There are several things that can make people more vulnerable to developing osteomyelitis:
If your immune system is weakened, an infection in your body is more likely to spread to your bone. Your immune system may become weakened if you:
People with health conditions that affect the blood flow are at greater risk of developing osteomyelitis. This is because their bones may not be getting a steady supply of infection-fighting white blood cells.
Conditions known to cause poor circulation include:
People with diabetes are particularly vulnerable to osteomyelitis because they are at risk of developing foot injuries.
Increased levels of glucose in the blood can cause nerve damage, which means people with poorly controlled diabetes can lose sensation in their feet and small cuts to the feet go unnoticed. Due to poor circulation, a serious infection can quickly develop in the feet before spreading to the bone.
This risk is increased if you also have a weakened immune system and/or poor circulation. Any broken bone with a loss of skin cover needs emergency surgery to clean the wound, get rid of dead tissue and stabilise the fracture.
If you have orthopaedic surgery (surgery involving the bones or joints) or you have had metalwork implanted, there is a very small chance you may develop osteomyelitis.
People who regularly inject themselves with illegal drugs such as heroin or methamphetamine (crystal meth) have an increased risk of developing osteomyelitis.
This is because many people who misuse drugs do not use properly sterilised needles, which significantly increases the risk of introducing bacteria into their bloodstream.
Osteomyelitis is the medical term for a bone infection, usually caused by bacteria.
The most common signs of osteomyelitis are bone pain and a high temperature.
Osteomyelitis is an infection of the bone that is usually caused by bacteria.
Osteomyelitis is diagnosed based on a physical examination and tests including blood tests, imaging tests and a biopsy
Osteomyelitis is usually treated with antibiotics, although surgery may also be used in severe cases.
It is not always possible to prevent osteomyelitis, but there are steps you can take to reduce your chances of developing the condition.