What is it?
Osteomyelitis is a bone infection that occurs when a pathogenic organism gains access to the bone. There are two main types of osteomyelitis: acute and chronic. Acute osteomyelitis is characterized by an “active” infection, where the skin around the affected area appears red, warm, swollen, and often has a foul-smelling discharge. Chronic osteomyelitis, on the other hand, represents a long-standing infection. Unlike the acute form, chronic osteomyelitis may not show the classic signs of infection such as redness, heat, swelling, or malodorous drainage. It often involves exposed bone but lacks the pronounced symptoms seen in acute cases.
What causes it?
Osteomyelitis can result from various factors. It often begins with an aggressive infection that breaks through the skin and infects the bone, which can occur through an ulcer, trauma, or surgical wound. Without prompt treatment, the infection can progress to osteomyelitis. People with diabetes are particularly susceptible to this condition because they may have reduced sensation in their feet and might not notice developing ulcers. If these ulcers become infected and are not treated in time, the infection can spread to the bone. If you have a wound or sore on your foot that is healing slowly or not at all, it is important to consult a foot specialist.
How is it treated?
Treatment for osteomyelitis can be either conservative or more aggressive, depending on the severity of the condition. Conservative treatment typically involves administering intravenous antibiotics without initially removing bone. This approach is used while laboratory tests determine the specific organism causing the infection, allowing for targeted antibiotic therapy. If further tests such as bone biopsy, bone scan, MRI, or x-rays reveal extensive bone involvement, surgical removal of the infected bone may be necessary, along with continued intravenous antibiotics.
