Osteomyelitis, or osteomyelitis as it is called in the medical literature, is a type of infection of the bones. It is usually caused by a bacterial infection, but can rarely be caused by fungi or viruses. Osteomyelitis is usually caused by an infection that spreads through the blood from other parts of the body to the bones.
Treatment of osteomyelitis is usually with antibiotics. However, in severe cases, surgical intervention may be necessary. Early diagnosis and treatment can reduce the complications of the disease and speed up the healing of bones.
What are the symptoms of osteomyelitis?
Symptoms can vary from person to person and may differ depending on the severity of osteomyelitis. In some cases, osteomyelitis can be acute (sudden onset and rapid progression), while in others it can be chronic (slow progression). Symptoms of osteomyelitis can be listed as follows:
- The most common symptom is severe pain. There is usually a constant feeling of pain in the affected bone area. The pain may increase over time.
- There may be swelling and redness of the skin color in the affected bone area. This is a sign that the infection is causing inflammation in the area.
- As the body's response to fight the infection, the body temperature rises and fever may occur. Fever is an important symptom that indicates the presence of osteomyelitis.
- Osteomyelitis can make the patient feel generally tired. There may be a general feeling of being unwell, such as weakness and lack of energy.
- Osteomyelitis can occur when bacteria enter the bones as a result of injury, surgery or open wounds. This can cause changes in the wound or skin in the infected area.
- Stiffness and limitation of movement in the joints in the affected area may be observed.
What Causes Bone Inflammation?
The cause of osteomyelitis can vary depending on the type of infection, the person's age, health condition and other factors. Common causes of osteomyelitis are as follows:
Hematogenous Infection: This can happen when bacteria from another source of infection in the body (for example, another infected area or body) enter the bloodstream and are then carried to the bones. An infected wound or infection in another body part can spread through the blood to the bones.
Direct spread: Osteomyelitis can develop as a result of bacteria passing directly from infected tissue or skin to the bones through injury, surgery or fracture. This can occur if there is a lack of hygiene or poor wound care after the injury.
Circulatory Infection: Rarely, bacteria can settle on the bones and cause infection as they circulate through the circulatory system.
Surgical Complications: Post-operative infections can trigger osteomyelitis as a complication of surgical interventions.
Immune System Weakness: Individuals with a weak immune system may be more vulnerable to infections. This can increase the risk of osteomyelitis.
How is osteomyelitis diagnosed?
Osteomyelitis is diagnosed using clinical evaluation, physical examination, blood tests, radiologic imaging, bone biopsy and culture tests. The doctor assesses the patient's symptoms and history, checks for bone tenderness with a physical examination and evaluates signs of infection with blood tests.
Radiologic imaging studies help to show infected bones and areas of inflammation, while a bone biopsy provides a definitive diagnosis. The tissue sample taken during this procedure is examined for laboratory tests, and culture and sensitivity tests determine which bacteria are causing the infection and which antibiotics they are sensitive to.
These methods enable early diagnosis of osteomyelitis and prompt initiation of treatment, thus preventing the spread of infection and avoiding serious consequences.
How is osteomyelitis treated?
Treatment for osteomyelitis can vary depending on the type and severity of the infection and the patient's health status. Treatment usually involves a combination of one or more methods. Here are the main approaches to treating osteomyelitis:
Antibiotic Therapy: Antibiotics are the main component of osteomyelitis treatment. Depending on the type and sensitivity of the bacteria causing the infection, the doctor prescribes the appropriate antibiotics. Antibiotic treatment usually lasts for at least six weeks and sometimes longer.
Surgical Interventions: Surgical intervention is necessary when infected bone or tissue needs to be removed. Surgical interventions can be performed especially if there is a large abscess (pus sac) or bone damage.
Vacuum Assisted Surgery (VAC): This can be used to help more effectively remove infected tissue that cannot be removed during surgery.
Drug Assisted Osteomyelitis Treatment (IDOT): In some cases, treatment may involve delivering medication into the bone. This allows the infection to be targeted directly.
Rehabilitation: Rehabilitation after treatment is important for bone healing and restoration of normal function. This may include physical therapy and exercises.