Which is the most common organisms causing osteomyelitis in all age groups?
Bacteria and fungi can cause osteomyelitis. This painful bone infection causes swelling that can damage bone and lead to bone loss. Fast treatment with antibiotics often works. Some people need surgery to drain abscesses or remove damaged bone. Young children, the elderly and people with diabetes are most at risk for osteomyelitis. Show
OverviewWhat is osteomyelitis?Osteomyelitis is a bone infection caused by bacteria or fungi. It causes painful swelling of bone marrow, the soft tissue inside your bones. Without treatment, swelling from this bone infection can cut off blood supply to your bone, causing bone to die. What is bone marrow?Certain bones in your skeletal system, such as the hip and thighbones, contain soft, spongy tissue. This tissue, called bone marrow, makes stem cells that produce blood cells and platelets. How common is osteomyelitis?Osteomyelitis affects about 2 to 5 out of every 10,000 people. It’s one of the oldest diseases on record. Scientists have traced it back more than 250 million years. Who might have osteomyelitis?Osteomyelitis affects people of all ages and genders. Children younger than 3, the elderly and people with serious medical conditions are more prone to the condition. In children, the infection is more likely to affect long bones, such as those found in the legs and arms. In adults, bone infections more often target the spine. What are the types of osteomyelitis?Types of osteomyelitis include:
Symptoms and CausesWhat causes osteomyelitis?Osteomyelitis occurs when bacteria from nearby infected tissue or an open wound circulate in your blood and settle in bone, where they multiply. Staphylococcus aureus bacteria (staph infection) typically cause osteomyelitis. Sometimes, a fungus or other germ causes a bone infection. You’re more at risk for getting osteomyelitis if you have:
What are the symptoms of osteomyelitis?Osteomyelitis signs vary depending on the type and cause. Some people with chronic osteomyelitis don’t have any symptoms. In addition to pain, the infected area may be red, warm, swollen and tender to touch. Other signs of osteomyelitis include:
Diagnosis and TestsHow is osteomyelitis diagnosed?After assessing your symptoms and performing a physical exam, your healthcare provider may order one or more of these tests:
Management and TreatmentWhat are the complications of osteomyelitis?Complications of osteomyelitis include:
How is osteomyelitis managed or treated?A bone infection can take a long time to heal. The infection may clear up faster if you start treatment within three to five days of first noticing symptoms. Treatments include:
Surgery is sometimes needed to treat bone infections. You’ll need antibiotics after surgery. Surgical options include:
PreventionHow can I prevent osteomyelitis?It’s important to clean and treat wounds to keep out bacteria and prevent infections. If you’ve had a recent bone break or surgery, or have an artificial joint, contact your healthcare provider at the first sign of any infection. But in many instances, there isn’t anything you can do to prevent osteomyelitis. Outlook / PrognosisWhat is the prognosis (outlook) for people who have osteomyelitis?Most people with osteomyelitis recover with treatment. Your prognosis is better the earlier you catch the infection and start treatment. Untreated or chronic infections may permanently damage bones, muscles and tissues. Living WithWhen should I call the doctor?You should call your healthcare provider if you’re at risk for a bone infection and experience:
What questions should I ask my doctor?You may want to ask your healthcare provider:
A note from Cleveland Clinic Osteomyelitis is a serious condition that requires immediate treatment. Most bone infections go away when you take antibiotics. Be sure to take all your prescribed medication even if you start feeling better. Stopping medications too soon can allow the infection to return. If you’re at risk for osteomyelitis, talk to your healthcare provider about the warning signs of infection so you know when to seek prompt medical care. Share Email Print Last reviewed by a Cleveland Clinic medical professional on 12/01/2021. References
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Is Staphylococcus aureus the most common cause of osteomyelitis?Staphylococcus aureus is the leading cause of osteomyelitis, which is defined as inflammation of bone but is most commonly encountered in the setting of bacterial infection. Osteomyelitis can result in significant morbidity such as progressive bone damage, pathologic fractures, and septicemia (1, 2).
Why is osteomyelitis common in elderly?Older adults are predisposed to osteomyelitis either because of an increased incidence of associated disorders that predispose to osteomyelitis (e.g., peripheral vascular disease, diabetes mellitus, and poor dentition) or because of surgical procedures that are frequently performed in the elderly population (e.g., ...
What bacteria causes osteomyelitis in children?Many different types of bacteria and viruses can cause osteomyelitis. The most common type of bacteria is called Staphylococcus aureus (commonly called staph). The bacteria can enter the body in a variety of ways including: infected wounds.
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