The information on this website is not intended for diagnosis or treatment. Please consult your physician for health concerns.

+90 850 321 50 00

Osteomyelitis

Bacterial or fungal infection of bone.

Written by: Saygı Hospital Health Guide Editorial Board
Last updated:

This content has been compiled by the Saygı Hospital Health Guide Editorial Board and is periodically reviewed by a specialist physician.

References (5)

This content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. You can book an appointment at our Ortopedi ve Travmatoloji department. Book Appointment →

What is Osteomyelitis?

Osteomyelitis is an infection of bone tissue with an associated inflammatory response. Acute, subacute, and chronic forms exist. It may develop hematogenously (blood-borne spread), by contiguous spread, or by direct contamination after open injury or surgery.

In children the hematogenous form (especially in the metaphysis of long bones) and in diabetic patients foot osteomyelitis are the most common clinical presentations. Staphylococcus aureus is the most common pathogen.

Chronic osteomyelitis is characterized by devitalized bone (sequestrum) and fistula formation. The longer treatment is delayed, the higher the risk of chronicity and serious complications.

Symptoms

Acute: high fever, redness over bone, swelling, and severe pain
Chronic: persistent pain, draining fistula, low-grade fever
Avoidance of using the affected limb
Elevated white blood cell count and CRP
Slowly healing wound (in diabetic foot)
General malaise and loss of appetite

Risk Factors

Diabetes mellitus and peripheral vascular disease
Immunosuppression and HIV
Open fracture and orthopedic implants
Sickle cell anemia
Intravenous drug use
Chronic kidney and liver disease

When to See a Doctor?

If you experience any of the following symptoms, seek medical attention promptly:

  • Pain, redness, and swelling over bone with fever (emergency)
  • Slowly healing foot wound in diabetic patients
  • When pain and fever begin around an orthopedic implant
  • When a fistula draining from the bone is present

Treatment Methods

01
Long-term intravenous antibiotic therapy (4-6 weeks)
02
Surgical debridement (removal of necrotic tissue)
03
Sequestrum excision (in chronic form)
04
Bone void filler (with local antibiotic)
05
Diabetic foot: multidisciplinary approach
06
Hyperbaric oxygen therapy (adjuvant)

Which Department to Visit?

You can visit our Ortopedi ve Travmatoloji department for these complaints. Our specialist physicians will create the most suitable treatment plan for you.

Learn About Ortopedi ve Travmatoloji Department

Let us help you

You can make an appointment with our specialists or contact us for your concerns.

Book AppointmentContact Us

Related Health Topics

Other articles from the same department you may want to explore.

Low Back Pain and Lumbar Disc Herniation

Ortopedi ve Travmatoloji

Lumbar disc herniation occurs when the outer layer of the disc between the vertebrae tears and the inner part presses on nerve tissue, causing low back and leg pain.

Cervical Disc Herniation

Ortopedi ve Travmatoloji

Cervical disc herniation is a condition in which the disc between the vertebrae in the neck region presses on a nerve root or the spinal cord, causing neck, shoulder, and arm pain.

Knee Pain and Meniscus Tear

Ortopedi ve Travmatoloji

Meniscus tear is a tearing of the cartilage structures in the knee joint as a result of a sudden twisting movement or degeneration and is one of the most common causes of knee pain.

Shoulder Pain and Frozen Shoulder

Ortopedi ve Travmatoloji

Frozen shoulder (adhesive capsulitis) is a chronic condition characterized by inflammation and thickening of the shoulder joint capsule, causing restriction of movement in all directions and severe pain.

Bone Fractures

Ortopedi ve Travmatoloji

A fracture is partial or complete disruption of the integrity of bone tissue due to an external force or bone disease, and it can occur at any age.

Wrist Fracture (Distal Radius Fracture)

Ortopedi ve Travmatoloji

Distal radius fracture is one of the most common reasons for emergency room visits; it occurs when the radius bone fractures at the wrist end due to the hand being planted on the ground during a fall.

Hip Fracture

Ortopedi ve Travmatoloji

Hip fracture is a serious fracture mostly occurring in elderly individuals with osteoporosis due to a fall in the femoral neck or trochanteric region, and early surgical treatment is life-saving.

Ankle Sprain

Ortopedi ve Travmatoloji

Ankle sprain is a partial or complete tear of the ankle ligaments, most commonly involving the lateral ligament complex (ATFL, CFL, PTFL) after an inversion injury.

Health Disclaimer: The information on this page is prepared for general informational purposes only. It does not replace medical diagnosis and treatment. Please consult your physician for your complaints. Saygı Hospital does not accept responsibility for actions taken based on the information on this page.