Osteomyelitis
Osteomyelitis is a bone infection The infection can enter the bone through the bloodstream or spread from nearby tissues Osteomyelitis sometimes develops as a result of an injury to the bone, if the injury contaminates the bone
In children, osteomyelitis is most often found in the long bones of the limbs, and in adults, the infection is common in the bones of the spine - the vertebrae. In diabetic patients, who often have foot ulcers, it is possible to develop osteomyelitis in the feet
Previously, osteomyelitis was considered an incurable disease, but now it is completely treatable. Most patients require surgery to remove pieces of dead bone tissue, followed by strong antibiotic therapy, often intravenously, for at least 6 weeks.
Most cases of osteomyelitis are caused by staphylococcal bacteria Staphylococcus lives on the skin or in the nasal cavity, even in otherwise healthy people
Bacteria or other microorganisms reach the bone in different ways:
- Blood Microorganisms in other parts of the body, such as pneumonia or urinary tract infections, may spread to the blood and reach the bone. In children, osteomyelitis develops in the soft parts of the bone – the growth zones located on either side of the ends of the bones.
- with infection of nearby tissue As a result of deep wounds, infection can spread throughout the body If such a wound becomes infected, the bone may be involved
- by direct infection This condition occurs when a bone fracture is so severe that part of the bone is in contact with the surrounding area (open fracture). Direct infection may also be the result of surgical intervention
Signs and symptoms of osteomyelitis include:
- Fever, chills
- Irritability or lethargy in children
- Pain at the site of infection
- Swelling, warmth, redness of the skin
Sometimes, osteomyelitis causes no signs or symptoms.
When to see a doctor See a doctor if you experience severe bone pain with fever If you are at high risk of infection due to illness or surgery, see your doctor as soon as you notice signs of infection
