overview
Osteomyelitis is an infection in a bone. Infections can reach a bone by traveling through the bloodstream or spreading from nearby tissues. Infection can also start in the bone itself if an injury exposes the bone to germs.
Smokers and people with chronic conditions like diabetes or kidney failure are at higher risk of developing osteomyelitis. People with diabetes can develop osteomyelitis of the foot if they have foot ulcers.
Although osteomyelitis was previously considered incurable, it can now be treated successfully. Most people need surgery to remove dead areas of bone. Strong intravenous antibiotics are usually needed after surgery. Osteomyelitis Treatment in Nizamabad
symptoms
The signs and symptoms of osteomyelitis include:
- fever
- Swelling, warmth, and redness in the area of the infection
- Pain in the infection area
- Tired
The reasons
Most cases of osteomyelitis are caused by staph bacteria, types of germs that are commonly found on the skin or even in the nose of healthy people.
Germs can enter a bone in a number of ways, including:
Blood flow. Germs in other parts of the body – for example in the lungs due to pneumonia or in the bladder due to a urinary tract infection – can get to a weakened area in a bone through your bloodstream.
Injuries. Serious stab wounds can carry germs deep into your body. If such a wound becomes infected, the germs can spread to a nearby bone. Germs can also get into the body if you’ve broken a bone so badly that part of your skin is sticking out.
Surgery. Direct germ contamination can occur during surgery to replace joints or repair fractures.
Risk factors
Your bones are usually resistant to infection, but this protection wears off as you get older. Other factors that can make your bones more prone to osteomyelitis can include:
Recent injury or orthopedic surgery
A severe fracture or a deep stab wound gives bacteria a way to invade your bone or surrounding tissue. A deep stab wound, like an animal bite or a nail stabbed through a shoe, can also be a route of infection.
Surgery to repair broken bones or replace worn joints can also inadvertently open a path for germs to invade a bone. Implanted orthopedic devices are a risk factor for infection.
Circulatory disorders
When blood vessels are damaged or blocked, your body has trouble distributing the anti-infectious cells it needs to keep a small infection from growing. What starts with a small incision can lead to a deep ulcer that can expose deep tissues and bones to infection.
Diseases that affect blood circulation include:
- Poorly controlled diabetes
- Peripheral artery disease, often related to smoking
- Sickle cell anemia
preventions
If you’ve been told that you are at increased risk of infections, talk to your doctor about ways to prevent infections. Reducing your risk of infection also increases your risk of developing osteomyelitis.
In general, take precautions to avoid cuts, scrapes, and animal scratches or bites that allow germs to easily gain access to your body. If you or your child has a minor injury, immediately clean the area and apply a clean bandage. Check the wounds frequently for signs of infection. Osteomyelitis Treatment in Nizamabad