Pronounced: OS-tee-oh-my-uh-LITE-isEn Español (Spanish Version)
Osteomyelitis can occur as a result of an injury to the bone, or
an infection in the body carried by the blood to the bone. The
infection may be acute or chronic. In adults, the pelvis and
vertebrae are the most common sites. In children, the long bones
are most likely to be affected. A risk factor is something that
increases your chance of getting a disease or condition. Risk
factors include: - Age: young children and older adults - Sex:
male - Trauma or injury to the bone and skin - Broken bones,
especially if open to or sticking through the skin - Diabetes
mellitus - Kidney dialysis - Intravenous drug abuse - Weakened
immune system - Poor circulation - Sickle cell anemia - After
any operation on a joint or bone, such as a hip replacement or
internal fixation of a fracture - Bone pain - Fever or chills -
Tenderness, warmth, swelling, or redness of the skin or joint -
Drainage of pus - Fatigue or irritability - Restricted movement
of the area -