Bone Infections

Summary

Like other parts of the body, bones can get infected. The infections are usually bacterial, but can also be fungal. They may spread to the bone from nearby skin or muscles, or from another part of the body through the bloodstream. People who are at risk for bone infections include those with diabetes, poor circulation, or recent injury to the bone. You may also be at risk if you are having hemodialysis.

Symptoms of bone infections include:

• Pain in the infected area
• Chills and fever
• Swelling, warmth, and redness

A blood test or imaging test such as an x-ray can tell if you have a bone infection. Treatment includes antibiotics and often surgery.

National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases

Patient Handouts

• Bone lesion biopsy Medical Encyclopedia
• Bone pain or tenderness Medical Encyclopedia
• Disseminated tuberculosis Medical Encyclopedia
• Osteomyelitis Medical Encyclopedia
• Osteomyelitis – discharge Medical Encyclopedia
• Osteomyelitis in children Medical Encyclopedia

Diagnosis and Tests

• Bone Scan Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research
• Bone X-Ray (Radiography) Radiological Society of North America
• Musculoskeletal MRI Radiological Society of North America

Encyclopedia

• Bone x-ray Medical Encyclopedia

Reference Desk

• Bones, Muscles, and Joints: The Musculoskeletal System Nemours Foundation

Clinical Trials

• ClinicalTrials.gov: Bone Diseases, Infectious National Institutes of Health
• ClinicalTrials.gov: Osteomyelitis National Institutes of Health

Treatments and Therapies

• Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research

Find an Expert

• National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases

Teenagers

• Osteomyelitis Nemours Foundation

Start Here

• Osteomyelitis Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research
• Osteomyelitis Nemours Foundation

Journal Articles

• Bone Infections