OsteomyelitisSymptoms, Doctors, Treatments, Advances & More
Learn About Osteomyelitis
Osteomyelitis is a bone infection. It is caused by bacteria or other germs.
Bone infection
A bone infection is most often caused by bacteria. But it can also be caused by fungi or other germs. When a person has osteomyelitis:
- Bacteria or other germs may spread to a bone from infected skin, muscles, or tendons next to the bone. This may occur under a skin sore.
- The infection can start in another part of the body and spread to the bone through the blood.
- The infection can also start after bone surgery. This is more likely if the surgery is done after an injury or if metal rods or plates are placed in the bone.
In children, the long bones of the arms or legs are most often involved. In adults, the feet, spine bones (vertebrae), and hips (pelvis) are most commonly affected.
Risk factors are:
- Diabetes
- Hemodialysis
- Poor blood supply
- Recent injury
- Use of injected illicit drugs
- Surgery involving bones
- Weakened immune system
Symptoms of osteomyelitis are often not specific and vary with age. The main symptoms include:
- Bone pain
- Excessive sweating
- Fever and chills
- General discomfort, uneasiness, or ill feeling (malaise)
- Local swelling, redness, and warmth
- Open wound that may show pus
- Pain at the site of infection
The goal of treatment is to get rid of the infection and reduce damage to the bone and surrounding tissues.
Antibiotics are given to destroy the bacteria causing the infection:
- You may receive more than one antibiotic at a time.
- Antibiotics are taken for at least 4 to 6 weeks, often at home through an IV (intravenously, meaning through a vein).
Surgery may be needed to remove dead bone tissue if the above methods fail:
- If there are metal plates or other foreign material near the infection, they may need to be removed.
- The open space left by the removed bone tissue may be filled with bone graft or packing material. This promotes resolution of the infection.
Infection that occurs after joint replacement may require surgery. This is done to remove the replaced joint and infected tissue in the area. A new prosthesis may be implanted in the same operation. More often, providers wait until the antibiotic course is finished and the infection has gone away.
If you have diabetes, it will need to be well controlled. If there are problems with blood supply to the infected area, such as the foot, surgery may be needed to improve blood flow in order to get rid of the infection.
Ballad Health Medical Associates Infectious Disease
Kate Molony is an Infectious Disease provider practicing medicine in Bristol, Tennessee. Dr. Molony is rated as a Distinguished provider by MediFind in the treatment of Osteomyelitis. She is also highly rated in 7 other conditions, according to our data. Her clinical expertise encompasses Osteomyelitis, Myelitis, AIDS Dysmorphic Syndrome, and AIDS Dementia Complex. Dr. Molony is board certified in American Board Of Internal Medicine.
SOFHA Surgical Group
David Gwaltney is a Vascular Surgeon practicing medicine in Johnson City, Tennessee. Dr. Gwaltney is rated as a Distinguished provider by MediFind in the treatment of Osteomyelitis. He is also highly rated in 14 other conditions, according to our data. His clinical expertise encompasses Idiopathic Edema, Carotid Artery Disease, Stasis Dermatitis and Ulcers, Vagotomy, and Endoscopy. Dr. Gwaltney is board certified in American Board Of Surgery.
ETSU Physicians & Associates- Infectious Disease
Parasbhai Patel is an Infectious Disease provider practicing medicine in Johnson City, Tennessee. Dr. Patel is rated as a Distinguished provider by MediFind in the treatment of Osteomyelitis. He is also highly rated in 29 other conditions, according to our data. His clinical expertise encompasses Infective Endocarditis, Hospital-Acquired Pneumonia, Lymphangitis, and Pneumonia. Dr. Patel is board certified in American Board Of Internal Medicine.
With treatment, the outcome for acute osteomyelitis is often good.
The outlook is worse for those with long-term (chronic) osteomyelitis. Symptoms may come and go for years, even with surgery. Amputation may be needed, especially in people with diabetes or poor blood circulation.
The outlook for people with an infection of a prosthesis depends partly on:
- The person's health
- The type of infection
- Whether the infected prosthesis can be safely removed
Contact your provider if you:
- Develop symptoms of osteomyelitis
- Have osteomyelitis that continues even with treatment
Summary: The purpose of this trial is to determine if genex with gentamicin (genex G) an antibiotic loaded bone void filler, works to treat and is a safe option as part of the surgical treatment of osteomyelitis in the extremities.
Summary: This study is being done to collect data from treatment of patients who have diabetes with non-healing foot wounds and are being treated with a resorbable and biocompatible borate-based bioactive glass fiber matrix. A borate-based bioactive glass fiber matrix is used to cover the ulcer for wound management. The primary objective of this study is to evaluate the safety and efficacy of the borate-ba...
Published Date: March 01, 2026
Published By: Jatin M. Vyas, MD, PhD, Roy and Diana Vagelos Professor in Medicine, Columbia University Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons, Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, New York, NY. Also reviewed by David C. Dugdale, MD, Medical Director, Brenda Conaway, Editorial Director, and the A.D.A.M. Editorial team.
Osmon DR. Infections of bursae, joints, and bones. In: Goldman L, Cooney KA, eds. Goldman-Cecil Medicine. 27th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2024:chap 251.
Tande AJ, Suh GA, Osmon DR, Berbari EF, Steckelberg JM. Osteomyelitis. In: Blaser MJ, Cohen JI, Holland SM, et al, eds. Mandell, Douglas, and Bennett's Principles and Practice of Infectious Diseases. 10th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2026:chap 106.