What is osteomyelitis?
Osteomyelitis is an infection of the bone that affects between 10 and 100 people per 100,000 per year. Bones can become infected in several ways: after surgery, from a fracture or injury. It is also possible for an infection in the blood to affect the bone. The risk of a bone infection increases if you have had hip surgery, have a weakened immune system or if you have diabetes. Osteomyelitis affects both children and adults. In children, it is more common to have acute osteomyelitis, which develops rapidly over a period of seven to 10 days. In adults, especially people with diabetes, chronic osteomyelitis is more common.
Most cases of osteomyelitis are curable.
Prognosis
Most cases of osteomyelitis are curable, especially acute osteomyelitis. However, in the case of chronic osteomyelitis, the infection may appear several times and treatment may need to be more aggressive (see below). The sooner osteomyelitis is diagnosed and treated, the more likely it will disappear completely.
Symptoms of osteomyelitis
Osteomyelitis causes pain mostly when the bone is affected, but it can also cause:
- High fever
- Swelling around the bone
- Redness and tenderness in the affected area
- Feeling unwell
How is osteomyelitis diagnosed?
When you visit the trauma specialist, he or she will perform a physical examination of the affected area. He or she may order tests such as X-rays or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), to see the infection more clearly, and a blood test to determine what type of infection it is. In some cases, your physician may recommend a bone biopsy to confirm the diagnosis.
Can osteomyelitis be prevented?
To prevent osteomyelitis you must keep wounds clean to stop infection. This means washing the wound thoroughly for several minutes and then using sterile dressings. If you have diabetes, it is important to check your feet often for signs of cuts or bruises, and consult your doctor immediately if you notice any infection.
What is the treatment for osteomyelitis?
Treatment consists mainly of fighting the infection by using antibiotics. Antibiotics are usually given intravenously, so you may need to stay in the hospital until you are able to take antibiotic medications. If you have an abscess in the bone or if the infection is pressing against something else, surgery may be an option. You may also need surgery if the bone has been damaged and needs to be removed, or if antibiotics have had no effect against the infection.