Osteomyelitis is an infection of the bone. According to Mayo Clinic, infections reach the bone by way of the blood vessels and nearby tissues. Traumatic injuries to the bone can create an entryway for infection. The most commonly affected bones are the leg, upper arm, spine and pelvis. Cleveland Clinic reports approximately two out of every 10,000 people are affected with osteomyelitis and, if left untreated, the infected bone tissue will die. Mayo Clinic states at one time osteomyelitis was incurable but today can be treated successfully.
Symptoms
According to Mayo Clinic, symptoms of osteomyelitis vary depending on the type of infection. Symptoms of acute osteomyelitis or an infection lasting six months or less include fever, lethargy, pain, swelling, warmth and redness at the site of infection. Chronic osteomyelitis or an infection lasting longer than six months will have symptoms such as chronic fatigue, fever, drainage, pain, warmth, swelling and redness at the site of infection. Mayo Clinic states sometimes no signs or symptoms are evident during osteomyelitis, especially if the infected area is in the hip, spine or pelvis.
Risk Factors
Mayo Clinic states osteomyelitis occurs more often in men than women. People of all ages can be affected by osteomyelitis, but children tend to develop the acute form, while people older than 50 are more likely to have an infection in the spine. According to Mayo Clinic, people with poor circulation or who have had a recent injury are at higher risk of developing osteomyelitis, as are those who have undergone orthopedic surgery. People with an increased risk of acquiring infections include illegal drug users, dialysis patients and urinary catheter users.
Diagnosing
According to Cleveland Clinic, osteomyelitis is diagnosed by a variety of methods. Initially, a health care provider will complete a thorough exam, looking for any signs and symptoms related to osteomyelitis. Other tests performed may include blood tests, blood cultures, aspiration of fluid from an infected area, a biopsy of infected bone and a bone scan.
Complications
Osteomyelitis that goes untreated can cause the bone tissue to die and collapse. Mayo Clinic states uncontrolled osteomyelitis can lead to amputation of the affected bone.
Treatment
Surgery and antibiotics are used to treat osteomyelitis. According to Mayo Clinic, surgery may include draining the area, removing infected bone and tissue, or removal of foreign objects from bone or surrounding tissue. ntibiotic treatment will be started as soon as the health care provider determines the type of organism causing the infection. Cleveland Clinic states intravenous antibiotics are often given, but some oral medications can be effective.
