Osteomyelitis

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Osteomyelitis is an acute (develops suddenly) or chronic (long term) infection of the bone and bone marrow(the soft substance in the bone cavity where the blood cells are produced). Bone infection can be caused by bacteria, or more rarely by fungus. It is usually caused by the bacteria staphylococcus.

Osteomyelitis can occur at any age.

Osteomyelitis can happen as a result of an infection in another part of the body. The infection may spread to the bone in the bloodstream. This is often the cause of osteomyelitis in children.

The long bones in the legs are those that are normally affected (the femur, tibia and fibula) in children . In adults, the vertebrae and the pelvis may be affected.

Osteomyelitis can also occur following an injury; bacteria can spread to the bone through a deep cut in the skin, if infected.

If you have diabetes, osteomyelitis may occur in the spine and in bones of the feet.

When the bone is infected, pus is produced within the bone. If left untreated, the infection can develop into an abscess. The abscess then deprives the bone of its blood supply and the infected bone may be difficult to treat.