What is osteomyelitis?

Osteomyelitis is a bone infection that requires treatment as soon as possible. When bacteria or fungi infect a bone, they can cause inflammation. Without timely treatment, this inflammation can lead to serious complications.

A rare condition, osteomyelitis can occur at any age and affect any bone. In adults, this infection usually occurs in the feet, vertebrae in your back or pelvis. Children, on the other hand, are more likely to develop osteomyelitis in the long bones of the arms and legs, such as the femur.

doctor reviewing a patient's X-rays with signs of osteomyelitis

Osteomyelitis symptoms

Osteomyelitis can cause a variety of symptoms, but it’s not always clear that a bone infection is responsible. You may mistake signs of osteomyelitis for symptoms of another illness, such as a common viral infection. These symptoms can disrupt your life by giving you a general feeling of being ill and tired, and causing discomfort and skin changes near the infection site.

Bone infection symptoms include:

  • Bone pain
  • Chills
  • Discharge of pus from a wound
  • Discolored skin at the infection site
  • Fever
  • Heat, redness or swelling at the infection site
  • Nausea
  • Sweating
  • Vomiting

When to see a doctor

Visit an urgent care center or see your primary care provider as soon as you notice osteomyelitis-like symptoms, especially if you have a wound with pus. Your medical provider can help determine whether a bone infection or a more common illness is responsible for your symptoms. If your medical provider suspects osteomyelitis, they may refer you to an orthopedic specialist or infectious disease specialist for additional evaluation and treatment.

What causes osteomyelitis?

Most cases of osteomyelitis result from bacterial infections, but fungal infections can also cause this disease. Osteomyelitis occurs when bacteria or fungi infect the bone marrow and cause inflammation. Germs can reach the bones in several ways, including:

  • Entering the body through a wound caused by injury or surgery
  • Spreading from nearby skin or tissue
  • Traveling through the blood from infected areas of the body

Bone infection risk factors

Osteomyelitis can affect anyone, but certain people are at a higher risk, including those who:

  • Are under 20 or over 50 years old
  • Have open wounds from injuries or trauma
  • Have recently undergone surgery, particularly joint replacements (arthroplasty) or procedures involving implanted devices like pins or screws for bone fracture repair
  • Experience puncture wounds
  • Develop bedsores, also known as pressure ulcers

Additionally, people with weakened immune systems due to health conditions or treatments are more likely to develop osteomyelitis. These include those with:

  • Sickle cell anemia
  • Diabetes, especially if they have diabetic foot ulcers
  • A need for immunosuppressant medications
  • Dependence on hemodialysis
patient suffering from osteomyelitis receiving comfort from a nurse

Complications

The sooner you start treatment for osteomyelitis, the more likely you are to avoid serious complications. Without treatment, osteomyelitis can damage your bone. Eventually, if inflammation from the infection cuts off the bone’s blood supply, the bone may die. In rare cases, amputation may be necessary.

Bone death, or osteonecrosis, is the most serious complication of osteomyelitis, but not the only one. Other complications may include:

Abscesses

Osteomyelitis may cause pus to gather near the infection site. Buildups of pus called abscesses can be painful and burst through the skin.

How is a bone infection diagnosed?

If you experience symptoms of osteomyelitis, act quickly. Seeking medical help as soon as possible not only boosts your chances of protecting your bones and avoiding complications but can also help you find relief from symptoms faster. Your doctor will use many diagnostic tools to pinpoint the cause of your symptoms, from a medical history and exam to imaging and blood tests and, potentially, a bone marrow biopsy.

Osteomyelitis treatment

Your doctor will create a treatment plan for osteomyelitis based on your age, overall health, the severity of your condition, how well you can tolerate certain medications or procedures, what to expect during recovery and your personal preferences. The goal of treatment is to cure the infection and prevent any long-term complications. Treatment options may include:

Medication

Medications play two roles in treating osteomyelitis: They destroy the bacteria or fungi causing the infection and treat symptoms, such as pain and swelling. Whether you take bacteria- or fungi-targeting medications, be sure to finish the whole course. Stopping early, even if your symptoms get better, may leave some of the germs alive. As a result, the infection could return in the future.

  • Antibiotics: If you have a bacterial infection, you’ll receive antibiotics for at least four to six weeks. You’ll likely start by receiving antibiotics intravenously (through a vein) before transitioning to oral medication.
  • Antifungals: You’ll take these medications if you have osteomyelitis caused by fungi, which is less common than the bacterial version. Antifungals are available orally, and you may need to take them for a few months.
  • Over-the-counter pain relievers: While the antibiotics or antifungals attack the infection itself, you can manage pain and other symptoms by taking acetaminophen or a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug, which are available without a prescription.

Find specialized care for osteomyelitis

We offer several locations for your care, including orthopedic specialty centers in North and Central Texas.

Frequently asked questions

Loading...