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 Array Bone lesion biopsy Bone pain or tenderness Disseminated tuberculosis Osteomyelitis Osteomyelitis – discharge Diagnosis and Tests Bone Scan Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research Bone X-Ray (Radiography) Array MRI of the Musculoskeletal System Array Encyclopedia Bone x-ray 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 Start Here Osteomyelitis Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research Osteomyelitis Nemours Foundation Teenagers Osteomyelitis Nemours Foundation Journal Articles Bone Infections
