Bacteria and fungi can cause osteomyelitis. This painful bone infection causes swelling that can damage bone and lead to bone loss. Fast treatment with antibiotics often works. Some people need surgery to drain abscesses or remove damaged bone. Young children, the elderly and people with diabetes are most at risk for osteomyelitis.
Osteomyelitis is a bone infection caused by bacteria or fungi. It causes painful swelling of bone marrow, the soft tissue inside your bones. Without treatment, swelling from this bone infection can cut off blood supply to your bone, causing bone to die.
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Certain bones in your skeletal system, such as the hip and thighbones, contain soft, spongy tissue. This tissue, called bone marrow, makes stem cells that produce blood cells and platelets.
Osteomyelitis affects about 2 to 5 out of every 10,000 people. It’s one of the oldest diseases on record. Scientists have traced it back more than 250 million years.
Osteomyelitis affects people of all ages and genders. Children younger than 3, the elderly and people with serious medical conditions are more prone to the condition.
In children, the infection is more likely to affect long bones, such as those found in the legs and arms. In adults, bone infections more often target the spine.
Types of osteomyelitis include:
Osteomyelitis occurs when bacteria from nearby infected tissue or an open wound circulate in your blood and settle in bone, where they multiply. Staphylococcus aureus bacteria (staph infection) typically cause osteomyelitis. Sometimes, a fungus or other germ causes a bone infection.
You’re more at risk for getting osteomyelitis if you have:
Osteomyelitis signs vary depending on the type and cause. Some people with chronic osteomyelitis don’t have any symptoms.
In addition to pain, the infected area may be red, warm, swollen and tender to touch. Other signs of osteomyelitis include:
After assessing your symptoms and performing a physical exam, your healthcare provider may order one or more of these tests:
Complications of osteomyelitis include:
A bone infection can take a long time to heal. The infection may clear up faster if you start treatment within three to five days of first noticing symptoms.
Treatments include:
Surgery is sometimes needed to treat bone infections. You’ll need antibiotics after surgery. Surgical options include:
It’s important to clean and treat wounds to keep out bacteria and prevent infections. If you’ve had a recent bone break or surgery, or have an artificial joint, contact your healthcare provider at the first sign of any infection. But in many instances, there isn’t anything you can do to prevent osteomyelitis.
Most people with osteomyelitis recover with treatment. Your prognosis is better the earlier you catch the infection and start treatment. Untreated or chronic infections may permanently damage bones, muscles and tissues.
You should call your healthcare provider if you’re at risk for a bone infection and experience:
You may want to ask your healthcare provider:
A note from Cleveland Clinic
Osteomyelitis is a serious condition that requires immediate treatment. Most bone infections go away when you take antibiotics. Be sure to take all your prescribed medication even if you start feeling better. Stopping medications too soon can allow the infection to return. If you’re at risk for osteomyelitis, talk to your healthcare provider about the warning signs of infection so you know when to seek prompt medical care.
Last reviewed by a Cleveland Clinic medical professional on 12/01/2021.
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Cleveland Clinic is a non-profit academic medical center. Advertising on our site helps support our mission. We do not endorse non-Cleveland Clinic products or services. Policy