Osteomyelitis

Infection of bone that is usually caused by bacteria. A long‐term infection can lead to bone destruction.

Inflammation of bone caused by a pyogenic organism. It may remain localized or may spread through the bone to involve the marrow, cortex, cancellous tissue, and periosteum.

Inflammation of the interior of bone, especially the marrow spaces.

Infection of the bone and bone marrow, often by bacteria, as in some cases of compound fractures or tuberculosis; in children, the infection generally involves the long bones of the arms and legs and the vertebrae of the spine. If promptly diagnosed, as by a bone SCAN, culture of the infectious organism, or X-ray, the disease can often be successfully treated with antibiotics; if not, an operation may be needed to clean out infected tissue and bone. In neglected or unresponsive cases, pain, deformity, and stunted growth can occur as osteomyelitis becomes chronic; sometimes whole sections of the bone may need to be removed and replaced with bone grafts from elsewhere in the body. Among populations with good nutrition, high resistance, and accessible medical care, osteomyelitis is seen less often than it once was, but it is still a risk for a child who has a compound fracture, which allows infectious organisms to come into contact with bone.

Infection of bone and bone marrow, usually caused by bacteria (esp. staphylococci) introduced by trauma or surgery or by extension of another infection. Symptoms include bone pain, tenderness, fever, and muscle spasm in the affected region. Treatment is by rest of the affected area, pain-relieving drugs, antibiotics, and surgery to remove necrotic (dead) tissue, if necessary.

Inflammation of the bone marrow and adjacent bone. Also a medical term for all the infectious diseases of the bone, including the bone marrow. Osteomyelitis may be localized or widespread and may include the cartilage and the periosteum (a fibrous membrane that covers the surface of bones, except at the joints). Bone infections may be caused by microorganisms, most commonly bacteria from a staphylococcal infection, that reach bone tissue via the bloodstream, a fracture, an injury, or a sinus infection or dental abscess.

Inflammation of the bone marrow due to infection. This is a hazard following compound fractures and must be rigorously guarded against whenever the marrow is exposed during bone or joint surgery. It may also be caused by bloodborne microorganisms. In acute osteomyelitis, most common in children, there is severe pain, swelling, and redness at the site, often in the shaft of a long bone, accompanied by general illness and high fever. Chronic osteomyelitis may follow the acute form or develop insidiously; tuberculosis and syphilis are occasional causes. Both forms are treated by antibiotics in high dosage, and in some cases drainage by surgery may be necessary. Delay in eradicating the infection may lead to bone shortening and deformity.

Inflammation of bone and marrow, usually caused by infection (and less often by radiation or other causes). It most commonly occurs in the long bones or spine.

Infection, typically caused by bacteria, impacting bone and bone marrow. While relatively uncommon in developed nations, it’s more prevalent among children, frequently involving the long bones of the arms and legs as well as the vertebrae. Among adults, it’s primarily associated with the vertebrae. This ailment can manifest either as an acute or a chronic condition.

In cases of acute osteomyelitis, the infection, typically triggered by the bacterium Staphylococcus Aureus, infiltrates the bloodstream through a skin wound or due to infection originating from another part of the body. The affected bone and marrow undergo inflammation, leading to the formation of pus. This prompts symptoms such as fever, intense pain and tenderness within the bone, as well as inflammation and swelling of the skin covering the impacted region.

Swift intervention involving potent antibiotic medications, administered initially through intravenous means and maintained for several weeks or months, typically results in the resolution of acute osteomyelitis. In cases where the ailment doesn’t exhibit improvement, surgical intervention becomes necessary to eliminate infected and necrotic bone, as well as to drain any accumulated pus.