Osteomyelitis is defined as a bone infection that can have multiple causes.
According to specialists, this infection can reach the body through the bloodstream or from nearby tissue.
Experts also say that osteomyelitis can come from the bone itself when there is an injury that is exposed to germs, especially when there are car accidents or any accidents that involve an open fracture. This disease can also occur following surgery where the bone has been manipulated.
According to Medline Plus, risk factors for developing the disease include diabetes, severe kidney disease, poor blood flow, injuries, use of injected illicit drugs, bone surgery, and a weakened immune system. Other experts point out that smokers are also prone to osteomyelitis.
What is osteomyelitis?
Osteomyelitis is a disease that can be infectious or inflammatory in the bone itself, says internist Stuardo Batres. The specialist mentions that the bone could become infected or inflamed and that it is a completely different disease from arthritis or osteoarthritis.
Traumatologist Oswaldo Archila mentions that this condition could be caused by different microorganisms such as bacteria or fungi that are affecting the bone. Therefore, the patient should go to the doctor in time when he or she has a visible fracture.
What are the symptoms of osteomyelitis?
According to Archila, the symptoms may be nonspecific at first. However, the doctor indicates that patients with osteomyelitis may present these symptoms:
- Pain in the affected limb
- Fever
- Redness of the area
- Functional limitation
- Discharge through a wound that connects to the infected bone
- According to Medline Plus, the patient may also experience excessive sweating and chills.
Batres mentions that certain conditions must exist for this condition to occur. The doctor mentions that if a fracture or trauma is not washed properly, or is not treated in time, this can be a risk factor for developing osteomyelitis.
What is the treatment for osteomyelitis?
Specialists say that treatment for osteomyelitis consists of the administration of antibiotics. In some cases, surgery is necessary and in more extreme cases, when antibiotic treatment does not provide the expected result, amputation of the limb is required, says Batres. However, he says that this does not happen frequently.
On the other hand, Archila mentions that the development of the disease and its treatment also depends on the causes of the disease and the health condition of the patient.
According to Medline Plus, for an accurate diagnosis, you should go to the doctor to tell you what tests are required to rule out or confirm the disease. Your doctor may request a bone x-ray, blood culture, or biopsy, among others, but everything will depend on the specialist’s criteria.
General recommendations
Consult a doctor immediately if you have an open wound to avoid any infection or inflammation of the bone tissue, especially if you suffer from high cholesterol, diabetes, or any disease that reduces blood flow to receive timely treatment.
According to Archila, it is vital to go to the doctor immediately if you have any of these symptoms to receive proper guidance and care. Although it is not always possible to prevent diseases, it is crucial to see a specialist early to avoid complications that put your quality of life at risk.