If you suffer a broken bone or undergo orthopedic surgery, you may be at risk of developing a bone infection called osteomyelitis. Osteomyelitis can also occur if you have an infection of soft tissue that spreads to the bone, or if an infection elsewhere in the body is carried to the bone through the bloodstream.
Osteomyelitis is an inflammation of the soft tissue inside of a bone, known as the bone marrow, and the surrounding bone. Infection of the bone marrow causes swelling that can constrict blood flow in the bone, and parts of the bone can die. Osteomyelitis can cause painful abscesses and persistent pain and swelling that may be resistant to pain medication.
The most common cause of osteomyelitis is bacteria, but sometimes, a fungus or other organisms can be the cause. Find out more about osteomyelitis symptoms and how they differ in adults and children.