Osteomyelitis is a medical condition characterized by inflammation, infection, and destruction of the bone and marrow tissues. It is caused by bacteria or, in some cases, fungi that enter the bone through a variety of pathways, such as from an open fracture, surgical procedure, or bloodstream infection.
The condition typically begins with an infection in a nearby tissue that spreads to the bone, leading to the release of inflammatory chemicals and the recruitment of immune cells. This causes the bone to become inflamed, leading to pain, swelling, and tenderness around the affected area.
Over time, the infection can cause destruction of the bone's structure, leading to deformities and weakening of the affected area. Symptoms may include chronic or acute pain, fever, chills, fatigue, and drainage of pus from the infected site.
Osteomyelitis can affect people of all ages, but it is most common in children and older adults. In children, the long bones of the arms and legs are frequently affected, while in adults, it often affects bones in the spine or the pelvis.
Diagnosis of osteomyelitis involves a combination of clinical evaluation, medical imaging, and laboratory tests. Treatment typically requires a combination of antibiotics to combat the infection, along with surgical intervention to remove dead or infected tissue, drain abscesses, and restore or stabilize the affected bone.
If left untreated, osteomyelitis can lead to serious complications, such as bone death (necrosis), the spread of infection to nearby tissues, or the development of chronic osteomyelitis.
