Bone inflammation, or osteomyelitis in the medical literature, is a type of infection where the bones become infected. It usually occurs as a result of a bacterial infection, though fungi or viruses can also rarely cause it. Osteomyelitis typically develops as a result of an infection spreading to the bones from other parts of the body through the bloodstream.
Treatment for osteomyelitis is usually done with antibiotics. However, surgical intervention may be required in severe cases. Early diagnosis and treatment can reduce the complications of the disease and accelerate bone healing.
What Are the Symptoms of Bone Infection?
Symptoms can vary from person to person and may differ depending on the severity of osteomyelitis. In some cases, osteomyelitis presents acutely (sudden onset and rapid progression), while in others it can be chronic (slowly progressing). Symptoms of bone infection can be listed as follows:
- The most common symptom is severe pain. There is usually a constant sensation of pain in the affected bone area. The pain may increase over time.
- There may be swelling in the affected bone area and redness in the skin color. This is a sign that the infection is causing inflammation in the area.
- As the body's response to fighting the infection, body temperature rises and fever may occur. Fever is an important symptom indicating the presence of osteomyelitis.
- Osteomyelitis can make the patient feel generally tired. A general feeling of malaise, such as weakness and lack of energy, may be observed.
- Osteomyelitis can occur due to bacteria entering the bones as a result of injury, surgery, or open wounds. Therefore, changes in the wound or skin in the infected area can be observed.
- Stiffness and restriction of movement may be observed in the joints in the affected area.
What Are the Causes of Bone Infection?
The cause of osteomyelitis can vary depending on the type of infection, the person's age, health status, and other factors. Common causes of bone infection are:
Hematogenous Infection: This can occur as a result of bacteria coming from another source of infection in the body (for example, another infected area or body) mixing into the blood and then being carried to the bones. An infected wound or an infection in another part of the body can spread to the bones through the bloodstream.
Direct Spread: Osteomyelitis can develop as a result of bacteria passing into the bones from directly infected tissue or skin due to reasons such as injury, surgery, or fracture. This can occur in cases of lack of hygiene or inadequate wound care after an injury.
Circulatory Infection: Rarely, bacteria can settle in the bones and cause infection while circulating through the body via the circulatory system.
Surgical Complications: Postoperative infections can trigger osteomyelitis as a complication of surgical interventions.
Weakness of the Immune System: Individuals with a weak immune system may be more vulnerable to infections. This condition can increase the risk of osteomyelitis.
How is Bone Infection Diagnosed?
Diagnosis of bone infection is made using clinical evaluation, physical examination, blood tests, radiological imaging, bone biopsy, and culture tests. The doctor evaluates the patient's symptoms and history, checks for bone tenderness with a physical examination, and assesses signs of infection with blood tests.
While radiological imaging studies help show infected bones and areas of inflammation, definitive diagnosis is provided by bone biopsy. 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 ensure the early diagnosis of osteomyelitis and rapid initiation of treatment, thereby preventing the spread of the infection and avoiding serious consequences.
How is Bone Infection Treated?
Treatment of bone infection (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 basic approaches to bone infection treatment:
Antibiotic Treatment: The main component of osteomyelitis treatment is antibiotics. Depending on the type and sensitivity of the bacteria causing the infection, the doctor prescribes appropriate antibiotics. Antibiotic treatment usually lasts for at least six weeks and can sometimes continue for a longer period.
Surgical Interventions: Surgical intervention is necessary when infected bone or tissue needs to be removed. Surgical interventions can be applied especially if there is a large abscess (pocket of pus) or bone damage.
Vacuum-Assisted Closure (VAC): This method can be used to help clean infected tissue more effectively that cannot be cleaned during surgery.
Drug-Backed Osteomyelitis Treatment (IDOT): In some cases, treatment can be applied by delivering medication directly into the bone. This ensures that the infection is targeted directly.
Rehabilitation: Post-treatment rehabilitation is important for bone healing and the restoration of normal functions. This may include physical therapy and exercises.