Osteomyelitis

An infection in a bone.

Overview

Osteomyelitis is an infection in a bone. Infections can reach bones by traveling through the bloodstream or spreading from nearby tissue. Infections also can begin in the bone itself if an injury exposes the bone to germs.

Symptoms

Symptoms of osteomyelitis include fever, swelling, warmth and redness over the area of the infection, pain and fatigue.

Treatments

Treatment is usually surgery to remove portions of bone that are infected or have died. After surgery, strong antibiotics are typically given through a vein in your arm for at least six weeks.