Osteomyelitis

Osteomyelitis is an infection of the bone, often developing from a wound or after an open fracture in which the bone pokes through the skin. It may also develop after an illness or injury that damaged the skin near or over a bone.

Symptoms may include:

A general feeling of illness (malaise).
Fever, chills, and sweating.
Deep bone pain.
Pain that is worse when pressing on the infected area or when standing.
Swollen and red skin (sometimes) over the affected bone.
Drainage of pus from the wound.

Antibiotic treatment is necessary to prevent destruction of bone tissue. If the osteomyelitis is severe, surgery may be required.

The Health Encyclopedia contains general health information. Not all treatments or services described are covered benefits for Kaiser Permanente members or offered as services by Kaiser Permanente. For a list of covered benefits, please refer to your Evidence of Coverage or Summary Plan Description. For recommended treatments, please consult with your health care provider.