Osteomyelitis is a bone infection caused by bacteria that can spread through the bloodstream or from an open wound. Symptoms include inflammation, pain, fever, and nausea. Treatment involves antibiotics and, in severe cases, surgery. Prevention is key, especially for those at high risk.
Osteomyelitis is an infection of the bone. It is commonly caused by an infection, usually bacterial in nature, that starts elsewhere in the body and spreads through the blood. It can be acute, meaning it has a rapid onset, or chronic, meaning it is persistent and long-lasting.
This infection can be caused by a complication elsewhere in the body such as pneumonia or a urinary tract infection. The most common bacterium that causes it is Staphylococcus aureus. This infection is then carried through the body in the blood, also known as sepsis, a whole body or systemic inflammatory condition, or bacteremia, a condition in which bacteria are present in the blood. It can also be caused by trauma, typically where there is a break in the skin. Chronic open wounds, such as diabetic ulcers, can also open a pathway for bacteria to spread to the bone.
Typically, the condition is found in the feet, vertebrae or spine and pelvis in adults. Children usually experience this infection in the long bones such as the thighbone or thighbone. People with certain other health problems, such as diabetes, the immune system impairment of sickle cell disease, and the elderly in general are at higher risk.
Symptoms of osteomyelitis can include local inflammation, warmth and redness of the area, bone pain, fever with or without malaise, and nausea. Malaise is a general feeling of unease. The victim may also experience things like chills, excessive sweating, low back pain, or generalized swelling in the ankles, feet, and legs.
The diagnosis of osteomyelitis is made through a general physical exam in which pain, swelling, and redness can be detected. Blood tests, bone scans, MRIs, and biopsies of bone lesions are also useful diagnostic tools. Needle aspiration is required in some cases. This is where the infected fluids that cause swelling are extracted from the area.
The typical course of treatment is antibiotics to destroy the bacteria. In severe cases, surgery may be needed if the infection is resistant to antibiotics to remove dead bone tissue. The surgery is then followed by a six-week course of antibiotics.
In most cases, if treated, osteomyelitis can be resolved successfully. But if it becomes chronic, abscesses or pus-filled pockets in the bone can inhibit blood flow to the bone and spread the infection. Chronic osteomyelitis sufferers occasionally need more drastic measures, such as amputations, to prevent further spread of the bacteria.
The best treatment is prevention. Practicing good hygiene and seeking qualified medical attention as soon as symptoms present are critical, especially for those considered to be at high risk. The sooner the infection is treated, the better the chances of a full recovery.
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