Osteomyelitis

Inflammation and infection of the bone are at the heart of osteomyelitis, a medical disorder. Although it can affect any bone, osteoporosis primarily affects the long bones of the arms, legs, and spine. Although bacterial infections are the most common cause of osteomyelitis, fungal infections are also possible triggers.
- Osteomyelitis is typically caused by an infection with the bacterium Staphylococcus aureus. These germs can get into the body in a number of different ways, including cuts, surgeries, and the bloodstream.
- Although fungal infections are less prevalent than those caused by bacteria, they can cause osteomyelitis in immunocompromised patients.
Symptoms of osteomyelitis include localized pain, swelling, redness, and warmth. Fever, chills, and bone necrosis (tissue death in the bones) are possible in more severe cases. Preventing further infection and consequences requires prompt diagnosis and treatment.
Antibiotics are the go-to for treating osteomyelitis, but sometimes dead or infected bone tissue must be surgically removed as well. How severe the infection is and what's causing it will determine the best course of action for therapy.