WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW: What is osteomyelitis? Osteomyelitis is a severe bone infection. It can develop in any bone, but often involves the long bones, such as your arm and leg bones, or the bones of the spine. Osteomyelitis is caused by different types of germs, such as bacteria or a fungus. What increases my risk for osteomyelitis? - Recent trauma or surgery
- Poor blood flow to your arms or legs
- Weak immune system
- Medical conditions, such as diabetes, sickle cell anemia, or a prosthetic implant
- IV drug abuse
- Age older than 50
- Poor nutrition
What are the signs and symptoms of osteomyelitis? - Trouble moving or putting weight on your limb
- Pain, redness, and swelling
- Bruising or discoloration
- Fever
- Pus coming from a wound or sore
- Night sweats
- A bone that looks out of place
How is osteomyelitis diagnosed? - Blood tests may show infection.
- X-ray, CT, or MRI takes pictures of your bone and tissue to look for infection and damage. You may be given dye to help the bone and tissue show up better. Tell the healthcare provider if you have ever had an allergic reaction to contrast dye. Do not enter the MRI room with anything metal. Metal can cause serious injury. Tell the healthcare provider if you have any metal in or on your body.
- A bone scan shows diseased or damaged bones. A radioactive liquid, called a tracer, is given through an IV. The tracer collects in your bones so problems show up better in pictures.
- A bone biopsy takes a sample of your bone to learn what is causing your infection. It can also help healthcare providers learn how to best treat the infection.
How is osteomyelitis treated? Treatment may last up to 8 weeks. You may need any of the following: - Medicine will be given to fight the infection and to decrease pain or fever.
- Hyperbaric oxygen therapy may be needed to help the wound heal. During therapy your infected bone is exposed to a high amount of oxygen. This may improve healing.
- Wound vacuum therapymay be placed over the wound to help it heal. The wound is covered with a dressing and attached to a vacuum that increases blood flow to the area. This may help with healing.
- Surgery may be needed to drain or remove the infected, damaged, or dead bone tissue. Ask your healthcare provider for more information about surgery.
How can I manage my symptoms? - Eat a variety of healthy foods. Healthy foods include fruits, vegetables, whole-grain breads, low-fat dairy products, beans, lean meats, and fish. Ask if you need to be on a special diet.
- Do not smoke. Nicotine and other chemicals in cigarettes and cigars can cause lung damage and make it difficult to heal. Ask your healthcare provider for information if you currently smoke and need help to quit. E-cigarettes or smokeless tobacco still contain nicotine. Talk to your healthcare provider before you use these products.
- Manage other medical conditions, such as diabetes, to prevent more bone damage.
Call 911 for the following: - You have sudden trouble breathing.
When should I seek immediate care? - You have severe pain.
- Your bone breaks.
When should I contact my healthcare provider? - Your symptoms return.
- You have increased swelling, pain, or redness of your infected area.
- You have new drainage or an odor from your wound.
- You have questions or concerns about your condition or care.
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