Osteomyelitis is an infection of the bone. The infection may be:

• Acute (for a short time)
• Chronic (lasting over a long period of time)

In adults, the pelvis and vertebrae (bone of the back) are the most common sites. In children, the long bones are most likely to be affected. These are found in arms and legs.

This infection can occur as a result of an injury to the bone, or an infection in the body carried by the blood.

Factors that increase your chance of osteomyelitis include:

• Age: young children and older adults
• Sex: male
• Trauma or injury to the bone and skin
• Broken bones, especially if open to or sticking through the skin
• Diabetes mellitus
• Kidney dialysis
• Intravenous drug abuse
• Weakened immune system
• Poor circulation
• Sickle cell anemia
• After any operation on a joint or bone, such as a hip replacement or internal fixation of a fracture

Symptoms include:

• Bone pain
• Fever or chills
• Tenderness, warmth, swelling, or redness of the skin or joint
• Drainage of pus
• Nausea
• Fatigue or irritability
• Restricted movement of the area
• A sore over bone that does not heal

The doctor will ask about your symptoms and medical history. A physical exam will be done. Tests may include:

• Blood tests—to check for signs of infection
• Needle aspiration of a joint—use of a needle to remove a sample for testing and culture
• Bone biopsy —removal of a sample of bone to test for abnormal cells
• X-rays —bone and tissue changes on x-ray may indicate osteomyelitis
• Bone scan —a series of pictures of bones taken after injection of a small amount of radioactive material that highlights the bones
• CT or MRI —radiographic tests to evaluate for any bone changes that may indicate osteomyelitis

The doctor may immobilize the affected area with a splint. The doctor may also recommend avoiding any weight bearing on the area.

This infection is treated with antibiotics. They are given by IV and sometimes by mouth.

• Acute osteomyelitis is treated for at least 4-6 weeks
• Chronic osteomyelitis may require antibiotics for a longer period of time

For chronic infection, surgery may be required to:

• Clean infected bone via scraping and irrigating the area
• Remove any fragments of dead bone or tissue that may prolong the infection

In severe cases, amputation may be necessary.

In some situations, the doctor may recommend a skin graft . The skin in the affected area is replaced with healthy skin taken from another part of the body.

If you are diagnosed with osteomyelitis, follow your doctor's instructions .