Journal of Bone Research
Open Access

Osteomyelitis

Osteomyelitis is an infection in a bone. Infections can reach a bone by spreading from nearby tissue or  by traveling through the bloodstream. Infections also can begin within the bone itself if an injury exposes the bone to germs.Causes of osteomyelitis include bacteria in the bloodstream from infectious diseases that spread to the bone, an open wound from a trauma over a bone, and recent surgery or injection in or around a bone. The most common types of bacteria that cause osteomyelitis are Staphylococcus, Pseudomonas, and Enterobacteriaceae. Inflammation of bone caused by infection, generally in the legs, arm or spine. Infections can reach bones by travelling through the bloodstream or spreading from nearby tissue. Common symptoms include pain, fever and chills.In adults, the vertebrae are the most common site of hematogenous osteomyelitis, but infection may also occur in the long bones, pelvis, and clavicle. Primary hematogenous osteomyelitis is more common in infants and children, usually occurring in the long bone metaphysis.Treatment is usually surgery to remove portions of bone that have died. This is followed by strong antibiotics, often by an IV, for at least six weeks.Osteomyelitis can present to the emergency department as an acute, subacute, or chronic orthopedic concern With treatment, the outcome for acute osteomyelitis is often good. The outlook is worse for those with long-term (chronic) osteomyelitis. Symptoms may come and go for years, even with surgery. Amputation may be needed, especially in people with diabetes or poor blood circulation