What is Osteomyelitis?

Osteomyelitis means infection of the bone or bone marrow; inflammation of the bone due to infection. Osteomyelitis sometimes occurs as a complication of injury or surgery. In some cases, the infection may get into bone tissue from the bloodstream. Patients with osteomyelitis typically experience deep pain and muscle spasms in the inflammation area, as well as fever. 

Osteomyelitis is usually caused by a bacterial infection. In some cases, a fungal infection may be the cause. 

Bone infections commonly affect the leg and upper arm bones, as well as the spine and pelvis - the long bones. 

There are three types of osteomyelitis:

• Acute osteomyelitis - the infection develops within two weeks of an injury, initial infection, or the start of an underlying disease.
• Sub-acute osteomyelitis - the infection develops within one or two months of an injury, initial infection, or the start of an underlying disease.
• Chronic osteomyelitis - the bone infection starts at least two months after an injury, initial infection, or the start of an underlying disease.

In children osteomyelitis generally occurs as an acute condition, usually developing as a complication of a pre-existing blood infection (hematogenous osteomyelitis). In adults, sub-acute or chronic osteomyelitis are more common, usually caused by an injury or trauma (contiguous osteomyelitis), such as a fractured bone. 

Osteomyelitis can usually be effectively treated today. This was not the case many years ago. Aggressive treatment is required to save the infected bone, as well as stemming the spread of the infection. 

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