What Is The Main Cause Of Osteomyelitis?

by | Last updated on January 24, 2024

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Most cases of osteomyelitis are caused by

staphylococcus bacteria

, types of germs commonly found on the skin or in the nose of even healthy individuals. Germs can enter a bone in a variety of ways, including: The bloodstream.

What bone is the most common site of osteomyelitis?

Osteomyelitis can be the result of a spreading infection in the blood (hematogenous) and occurs more often in children than adults. In prepubescent children, it usually affects the long bones: the tibia and the femur. The most common site of infection is

the metaphysis

, which is the narrow portion of the long bone).

How does someone get osteomyelitis?

Osteomyelitis is inflammation or swelling that occurs in the bone. It can result

from an infection somewhere else in the body that has spread to the bone

, or it can start in the bone — often as a result of an injury. Osteomyelitis is more common in younger children (five and under) but can happen at any age.

What is the best treatment for osteomyelitis?

  • Drain the infected area. …
  • Remove diseased bone and tissue. …
  • Restore blood flow to the bone. …
  • Remove any foreign objects. …
  • Amputate the limb.

Does osteomyelitis ever go away?

Osteomyelitis is a painful bone infection.

It usually goes away if treated early with antibiotics

. If not, it can cause permanent damage.

What happens if osteomyelitis is untreated?

Osteomyelitis is a bacterial, or fungal, infection of the bone. Osteomyelitis affects about 2 out of every 10,000 people. If left untreated,

the infection can become chronic and cause a loss of blood supply to the affected bone

. When this happens, it can lead to the eventual death of the bone tissue.

Is osteomyelitis an emergency?

Osteomyelitis can

present to the emergency department

as an acute, subacute, or chronic orthopedic concern.

How quickly does osteomyelitis spread?

Symptoms of Osteomyelitis

Acute osteomyelitis develops rapidly

over a period of seven to 10 days

. The symptoms for acute and chronic osteomyelitis are very similar and include: Fever, irritability, fatigue.

What is the prognosis of osteomyelitis?

Outlook (Prognosis)

With treatment,

the outcome for acute osteomyelitis is often good

. The outlook is worse for those with long-term (chronic) osteomyelitis. Symptoms may come and go for years, even with surgery. Amputation may be needed, especially in people with diabetes or poor blood circulation.

What is the best antibiotic for osteomyelitis?

Oral antibiotics that have been proved to be effective include

clindamycin, rifampin, trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole, and fluoroquinolones

. Clindamycin is given orally after initial intravenous (IV) treatment for 1-2 weeks and has excellent bioavailability.

Can bone infections be cured?

Most cases of osteomyelitis are treatable. Chronic infections of the bone, however,

may take longer to treat and heal

, especially if they require surgery. Treatment should be aggressive because an amputation can become necessary sometimes. The outlook for this condition is good if the infection is treated early.

How long do you take IV antibiotics for osteomyelitis?

Parenteral antibiotic therapy

Formerly, experts usually recommended an intravenous (IV) therapy for

4 to 6 weeks

followed by an oral course of additional weeks or months.

Can you have osteomyelitis for years?

With treatment, the outcome for acute osteomyelitis is often good. The outlook is worse for those with long-term (chronic) osteomyelitis.

Symptoms may come and go for years

, even with surgery. Amputation may be needed, especially in people with diabetes or poor blood circulation.

Can antibiotics cure osteomyelitis?


Acute hematogenous osteomyelitis can be treated with antibiotics alone

. Chronic osteomyelitis, often accompanied by necrotic bone, usually requires surgical therapy. Unfortunately, evidence for optimal treatment regimens or therapy durations largely based upon expert opinion, case series, and animal models.

What complication of osteomyelitis is the most likely to occur?

The most common complication in children with osteomyelitis is

recurrence of bone infection

.

Can osteomyelitis cause sepsis?


An infection of the bone, called osteomyelitis

, could lead to sepsis. In people who are hospitalized, bacteria may enter through IV lines, surgical wounds, urinary catheters, and bed sores.

Diane Mitchell
Author
Diane Mitchell
Diane Mitchell is an animal lover and trainer with over 15 years of experience working with a variety of animals, including dogs, cats, birds, and horses. She has worked with leading animal welfare organizations. Diane is passionate about promoting responsible pet ownership and educating pet owners on the best practices for training and caring for their furry friends.