Osteomyelitis

Updated: 2024-12-10

Description

An infection in a bone.

Overview

Osteomyelitis can infect one or more parts of a bone. Infections can reach a bone through the bloodstream or from nearby infected tissue. Infections also can begin in the bone if an injury opens the bone to germs.

Symptoms

Symptoms of osteomyelitis may include swelling, warmth and tenderness over the area of the infection, fever, pain and tiredness.

Treatments

Treatment is usually surgery to remove portions of bone that are infected or dead. After surgery, most people get strong antibiotics for at least six weeks through a vein in the arm.