Osteomyelitis – Symptoms, Causes, Cures

Osteomyelitis is the acute or chronic infection of the bone most commonly caused by bacteria known as Staphylococcus aureus (a type of bacteria commonly found in the skin) and less commonly by fungi. The infection may affect the bone in the following ways:

  • When a skin, tendon or muscle next or near the bone becomes infected and spreads to the nearby bone
  • When an infection occurs in another part of the body and the causative agent is carried by the blood to the bone
  • A past injury makes the bone susceptible to infection especially in cases when a foreign substance is introduced such rods and plates after a bone surgery
  • Penetrating trauma by foreign substance usually filled with the causative agent or a bone is exposed to outside microorganisms through an open fracture.
  • When the body has circulation problems inhibiting the proper distribution of infection-fighting cells and other immune system agents

The affected part usually differs in adults and children. In children, the long bones are commonly infected while in adults, it is the bones of the hips, spine and feet.

There are also several people who are at higher risk for acquiring Osteomyelitis including:

  • Those with diabetes mellitus and immunocompromised
  • Those undergoing hemodialysis or other invasive tubing
  • Drug users using injections
  • Those with poor blood supply
  • Those with recent trauma
  • Those who have had their spleen removed
  • Recent orthopedic surgery

Signs and Symptoms

Sometimes Osteomyelitis exhibits no signs and symptoms or the manifestations may be hard to distinguish from that other diseases. That is why; it is necessary for several laboratory test including x-rays, blood culture, bone biopsy and bone scan before it can be fully diagnosed. However, most of the times, Osteomyelitis has the following symptoms:

  • Pain in the bone
  • Fever with associated chills
  • Irritability in young children
  • Malaise or general feeling of discomfort
  • Swelling, redness and warmth on the affected area
  • Low back pain
  • Swelling of the ankles, feet and legs
  • Excessive sweating

Prevention

The single most effective prevention of Osteomyelitis is being vigilant. At the onset of symptoms of infection, one should visit the doctor and follow the prescribed medication because more often, Osteomyelitis is a complication of other underlying conditions (infections) that were not treated promptly.

Treatment

The goal of treatment is geared towards the eradication of infection as well as lessening the damage to the bone as much as possible.

Antibiotic Therapy

Once Osteomyelitis has been established, antibiotic therapy must be started as soon as possible. The first few doses may be initiated towards killing the causative microorganism so the possibility of changing antibiotics may happen due to some antibiotic-resistant bacteria. Symptoms usually settle after a few doses and therapy may last for four to six weeks or up to twelve weeks if infection is severe. The antibiotic is normally injected through a vein in the arm. It may cause side effects like nausea, diarrhea and vomiting.

As pain relief measures, painkillers may be prescribed. A long bone may also be splinted to restrict movement especially if the long bone is the affected part.

Surgery

Surgery may be indicated for the following reasons:

  • Drain pus and other debris from infected area – there is always an association of pus and infection. Surgeons need to drain any accumulation of fluid from the infection.
  • Remove dead bone and tissue – this is medically known as debridement where all dead tissues and other infected tissues are removed to rid the organ any more possibility and signs of infection.
  • Restore blood flow – blood carries nutrients to the bone for bone building. In order to ensure a speedy recovery of the bone, the surgeon needs to repair any damaged blood vessels as well.
  • Remove foreign bodies – in cases of punctures and use of surgical plates, these infected objects needs to be removed. Surgical plates (new ones) are then replaced after infection has been cured.
  • Amputation – if damage to the bone is extensive, amputation may be necessary but it is the last resort.

Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy

This procedure is especially useful in patients with chronic and recurring Osteomyelitis. It involves going into chamber where oxygen levels are higher than normal. It raises the amount of oxygen in the blood that will speed up the recovery of the bone. It is normally used in concurrence with antibiotics and in cases when surgery or antibiotics alone are not viable options.