National Center for Advancing and Translational Sciences Genetic and Rare Diseases Information Center, a program of the National Center for Advancing and Translational Sciences

Osteomyelitis


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Osteomyelitis is the medical term for an infection in a bone. Signs and symptoms vary but may include bone pain, fever, chills, excessive sweating, malaise, or an open wound. People with the condition may also experience local swelling, redness, and warmth at the site of the infection. Although any bone in the body can be affected, the long bones of the arms and legs are most commonly infected in children, while the feet, spine bones, and hips are primarily affected in adults. Osteomyelitis is most often caused by a bacterial infection, although it can also be caused by a fungal infection. Risk factors for the condition include diabetes, poor blood supply, recent injury, intravenous drug abuse, surgery involving the bones, and a weakened immune system. The goal of treatment is to cure the infection and reduce damage to the bone and surrounding tissues. This may include medications to treat the infection and surgery to drain, clean and/or remove dead bone tissue.[1][2][3]
Last updated: 10/19/2016
In some cases, osteomyelitis causes no signs or symptoms. When present, symptoms are often nonspecific and may be blamed on other, more common conditions. People affected by osteomyelitis may experience:[1][2][3]
  • Bone pain
  • Fever and chills
  • Excessive sweating
  • Malaise
  • Open wound
  • Local swelling, redness, and warmth
  • Irritability or lethargy (especially in young children)
Last updated: 10/20/2016
Osteomyelitis occurs when an infection develops in a bone or spreads to a bone from another area of the body. It is most commonly caused by a bacterial infection (often staphylococcus bacteria), but may occur due to a fungal infection, as well.[1][4]

Risk factors for the condition include diabetes, poor blood supply, recent injury, intravenous drug abuse, surgery involving the bones, and a weakened immune system.[1]
Last updated: 10/20/2016
Osteomyelitis is not inherited. It is an infectious disease caused by bacteria or fungi.[1]
Last updated: 10/20/2016

A diagnosis of osteomyelitis is often suspected based on the presence of suspicious signs and symptoms. For example, a physical examination may show bone tenderness with possible swelling and redness. Additional tests and procedures can then be ordered to confirm the diagnose and to determine what is causing the infection.[1][4]

Tests may include:[1][4]

Last updated: 10/20/2016
The primary aim of treatment is to address the infection and reduce damage to the affected bone. Antibiotics or anti-fungal medications may be given to destroy the bacteria or fungi that are causing the infection.[1][3]

Depending on the severity of the condition, surgery may also be needed to remove dead bone tissue. Surgical procedures may involve drainage of the infected area, removal of diseased bone and tissue, restoration of blood flow, or removal of foreign material.[2][3][4]
Last updated: 10/21/2016
When treatment is received, the outcome for acute osteomyelitis is usually good. The outlook is worse for chronic (long-term) osteomyelitis, even with surgery. Amputation may be needed, especially in diabetics or other patients with poor blood circulation. The outlook is guarded in those who have an infection of a prosthesis.[1]
Last updated: 10/21/2016

Research helps us better understand diseases and can lead to advances in diagnosis and treatment. This section provides resources to help you learn about medical research and ways to get involved.

Clinical Research Resources

  • ClinicalTrials.gov lists trials that are related to Osteomyelitis. Click on the link to go to ClinicalTrials.gov to read descriptions of these studies.

    Please note: Studies listed on the ClinicalTrials.gov website are listed for informational purposes only; being listed does not reflect an endorsement by GARD or the NIH. We strongly recommend that you talk with a trusted healthcare provider before choosing to participate in any clinical study.

Support and advocacy groups can help you connect with other patients and families, and they can provide valuable services. Many develop patient-centered information and are the driving force behind research for better treatments and possible cures. They can direct you to research, resources, and services. Many organizations also have experts who serve as medical advisors or provide lists of doctors/clinics. Visit the group’s website or contact them to learn about the services they offer. Inclusion on this list is not an endorsement by GARD.

Organizations Supporting this Disease

These resources provide more information about this condition or associated symptoms. The in-depth resources contain medical and scientific language that may be hard to understand. You may want to review these resources with a medical professional.

Where to Start

In-Depth Information

  • Medscape Reference provides information on this topic. You may need to register to view the medical textbook, but registration is free.
  • The Monarch Initiative brings together data about this condition from humans and other species to help physicians and biomedical researchers. Monarch’s tools are designed to make it easier to compare the signs and symptoms (phenotypes) of different diseases and discover common features. This initiative is a collaboration between several academic institutions across the world and is funded by the National Institutes of Health. Visit the website to explore the biology of this condition.
  • PubMed is a searchable database of medical literature and lists journal articles that discuss Osteomyelitis. Click on the link to view a sample search on this topic.

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  1. Osteomyelitis. MedlinePlus. March 2016; https://medlineplus.gov/ency/article/000437.htm.
  2. Stephen Kishner, MD, MHA. Osteomyelitis. Medscape Reference. September 2016; http://emedicine.medscape.com/article/1348767-overview.
  3. Tahaniyat Lalani, MBBS, MHS. Overview of osteomyelitis in adults. UpToDate. May 19 2016; http://www.uptodate.com/contents/overview-of-osteomyelitis-in-adults.
  4. Osteomyelitis. Mayo Clinic. September 2015; http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/osteomyelitis/basics/definition/con-20025518?METHOD=print.