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Osteomyelitis
Osteomyelitis is an infection of the bone, often developing from a wound or after an open fracture in which the bone pokes through the skin. It may also develop after an illness or injury that damaged the skin near or over a bone.
Symptoms may include:
- A general feeling of illness (malaise).
- Fever, chills, and sweating.
- Deep bone pain.
- Pain that is worse when pressing on the infected area or when standing.
- Swollen and red skin (sometimes) over the affected bone.
- Drainage of pus from the wound.
Antibiotic treatment is necessary to prevent destruction of bone tissue. If the osteomyelitis is severe, surgery may be required.
Current as of: November 9, 2022
Author: Healthwise Staff
Medical Review:William H. Blahd Jr. MD, FACEP - Emergency Medicine & Adam Husney MD - Family Medicine & David Messenger MD - Emergency Medicine, Critical Care Medicine
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