Pronounced: OS-tee-oh-my-uh-LITE-is
Osteomyelitis is an infection of the bone. The infection may be:
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:
Symptoms include:
The doctor will ask about your symptoms and medical history. A physical exam will be done. Tests may include:
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.
For chronic infection, surgery may be required to:
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 .
To reduce your risk of getting osteomyelitis:
RESOURCES:
American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons
http://www.aaos.org/
US National Library of Medicine
http://www.nlm.nih.gov/
CANADIAN RESOURCES
Canadian Orthopaedic Association
http://www.coa-aco.org/
Canadian Orthopaedic Foundation
http://www.canorth.org/
References:
Bone and joint infections. Mayo Clinic Health Letter . February 26, 2001.
Carek PJ, Dickerson LM, Sack JL. Diagnosis and management of osteomyelitis. Am Fam Physician . 2001 Jun 15;63(12).
Dambro MR. Griffith's 5-Minute Clinical Consult . 2001 ed. Philadelphia, PA: Lippincott Williams & Wilkins; 2001.
Last reviewed February 2009 by Robert E. Leach, MD
Please be aware that this information is provided to supplement the care provided by your physician. It is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. CALL YOUR HEALTHCARE PROVIDER IMMEDIATELY IF YOU THINK YOU MAY HAVE A MEDICAL EMERGENCY. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.
Copyright © 2007 EBSCO Publishing All rights reserved.