What Is Osteomyelitis?

Osteomyelitis (pronounced: os-tee-oh-my-uh-lie-tus) is a bone infection that is can be caused by bacteria called Staphylococcus aureus. Depending on how the bone becomes infected and the age of the person, other types of bacteria can also case the infection.

Bacteria can infect bones in a number of ways. Bacteria can travel into the bone through the bloodstream from other infected areas in the body. This is called hematogenous osteomyelitis, and is the most common way that people can get osteomyelitis. Another way is by direct infection, when bacteria enter the body's tissues through a wound and travel to the bone (like after an injury). Open fractures — breaks in the bone with the skin also open — are the injuries that most often develop osteomyelitis.

A bone also can become infected when the blood supply to that area of the bone is disrupted. This can happen in older people with atherosclerosis, which is a narrowing of the blood vessels, or in association with diabetes. Most infections of this kind occur in the toes or feet.

If you have symptoms such as fever and bone pain, you should see your doctor as soon as possible because osteomyelitis can quickly get worse and become much more difficult to treat.

For a physician referral or for more information about the innovative orthopedic surgery options offered at Englewood Hospital and Medical Center for foot and ankle problems, call1-866-980-EHMC.