It is a serious infection that occurs in the bone. Bacteria or fungi reach the bone through blood or open wounds. Bone infection symptoms include swelling, redness, pain and fever. If left untreated, bone tissue can be damaged. Diabetes, immune deficiency and open fractures increase the risk. Blood tests, imaging and biopsy are used to diagnose. Antibiotics or surgery may be required.
What are the symptoms of bone infection?
Constant and throbbing pain is felt in the affected area. There may be significant swelling and redness of the skin in the infected bone area. High fever, chills and shivering may occur as the body fights the infection. Stiffness and difficulty in movement may be experienced in joints close to the infected area.
Bone infection If it spreads, the person constantly feels tired and weak. Drainage (pus discharge) may be seen on the skin surface in the infected area. The skin in the infected area may become warm and sensitive to touch. If one or more of these symptoms are present, it is important to see a doctor without delay.
What Causes Bone Infection?
Bacteria such as Staphylococcus aureus reach the bone through the blood or directly and cause it. Individuals with a weak immune system are more prone to bacterial infections. Accidents, falls or open fractures increase the risk by exposing the bone to external factors. Unhygienic conditions during surgical operations also lead to the development of infection. Diseases that impair circulation such as diabetes, arteriosclerosis and vascular occlusion, bone infection increases the risk. Foot sores or ulcers caused by diabetes cause bacteria to spread to bone tissue. Conditions that suppress the immune system, such as cancer treatment, HIV/AIDS, and diabetes, increase the risk.
Long-term use of corticosteroids or immunosuppressive drugs reduces the body's ability to fight infection. Bacterial infections can reach the bone through the bloodstream and cause osteomyelitis. Tooth infections, urinary tract infections, and lung infections can spread to the bone through the bloodstream if left untreated. Orthopedic screws, plates, and prosthetics can be sources of infection. Non-sterile surgery or inadequate postoperative care increases the risk. If not diagnosed early bone infection can lead to serious complications. Therefore, it is important for individuals with risk factors to be alert for signs of infection.
How is Bone Infection Diagnosed?
The patient's medical history is questioned (risk factors such as trauma, surgery, diabetes, immune system weakness). The relevant bone area is checked for pain, swelling, redness, and increased heat. Chronic bone infection In cases of , the presence of wounds or discharge on the skin is examined. White blood cells (leukocytes) may increase in the presence of infection. High CRP and ESR values may indicate inflammation. It is performed to determine the infectious agent in cases of suspected bacteremia. X-ray is used to see signs of infection in the bone. However, it may not show obvious findings in the early stages.
MRI shows soft tissue inflammations and symptoms in detail. Computerized tomography is used to examine the bone structure in detail in cases of chronic osteomyelitis. It can help in early diagnosis of infection by administering radioactive material to the infected area. A bone tissue sample taken from the infected area is examined in the laboratory. The microorganism causing the infection is detected. This test is the most reliable method for making a definitive diagnosis. Bone infection, If not diagnosed early, it can lead to serious complications. Therefore, if signs of infection are seen, a doctor should be consulted immediately.
How is Bone Infection Treated?
In the treatment of infection, antibiotics are usually administered intravenously (IV). The duration of treatment usually varies between 4-6 weeks. Depending on the severity of the infection, treatment continues with oral antibiotics. If the infection is advanced and does not respond to antibiotic treatment, surgery is performed. Dead or infected bone and tissue are removed. Infected fluid and pus are drained surgically. Healthy tissue can be replaced in place of the removed bone tissue.
In very advanced cases, the infected limb may need to be removed. In some cases, hyperbaric oxygen therapy increases the oxygen intake of bone tissue and accelerates the healing process. In individuals with diabetes or immune system diseases, controlling the underlying disease increases the success of treatment. It is recommended to reduce smoking and alcohol use and strengthen the immune system. The treatment process varies from patient to patient. When diagnosed early bone infection can be treated successfully.
