OsteomyelitisDefinition: Infection of the bone and surrounding tissues, most commonly caused byStaphylococcus Aureus.

It can be either acute or chronic. This disorder usually occursas a result of an infection in one part of the body that is transported through thebloodstream to a bone in a distant location. Also Known As: Hematogenous Osteomyelitis Incedence Osteomyelitis affects about 2 in 10,000 people. Acute osteomyelitis is rare in children. It's estimated that one in every 1,000children under the age of one will develop acute osteomyelitis. The condition is even less common in children over one, with one in every 5,000children affected. For example, it's estimated that between 30% and 40% of people with diabetes,who experience a puncture injury to the foot, will develop osteomyelitis. One inevery 200 people with sickle cell anaemia (a hereditary blood condition) willdevelop osteomyelitis in any given year. Risk Factors Trauma Diabetes Hemodialysis Splenectomy Advanced age- Immune function Poor circulation Manifestation Pain and/or tenderness in the infected area

Swelling and warmth in the infected area Fever Nausea, secondarily from being ill with infection General discomfort, uneasiness, or ill feeling

 Drainage of pus through the skinAdditional symptoms that may be associated with this disease include: Excessive sweating Chills Lower back pain (if the spine is involved) Swelling of the ankles, feet, and legs Changes in gait (walking pattern that is a painful, yielding a limp) Types There are three main types of osteomyelitis: Acute osteomyelitis, where the bone infection develops within two weeksof an initial infection, injury or the onset of an underlying disease. Sub-acute osteomyelitis, where the bone infection developswithin one ot two months of an initial infection, injury or onset of anunderlying disease. Chronic osteomyelitis, where the bone infection develops two months or more after an initial infection, injury or onset of an underlying disease. Stages of Osteomyelitis