Definition of Osteomyelitis
Osteomyelitis is an acute or chronic bone infection.
Causes, incidence, and risk factors
Bone infection can be caused by bacteria (more common) or fungi (less common).
Signs and tests
A physical examination shows bone tenderness and possibly swelling and redness.
Treatment
The goal of treatment is to get rid of the infection and reduce damage to the bone and surrounding tissues.
Expectations (prognosis)
With treatment, the outcome for acute osteomyelitis is usually good.
Review
David C. Dugdale, III, MD, Professor of Medicine, Division of General Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of Washington School of Medicine; and Jatin M. Vyas, MD, PhD, Assistant Professor in Medicine, Harvard Medical School, Assistant in Medicine, Division of Infectious Disease, Department of Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc. – 5/25/2010
