# Osteomyelitis --- **Osteomyelitis** is an [[infection]] of the [[bone]] that causes [[inflammation]], which can lead to ulceration and even [[avascular necrosis]] and loss of the bone. It is very painful and very dangerous. It can be acute or chronic. Osteomyelitis is treated by treating the underlying infection and managing the [[pain]]. If the microbe is known to be weakened or harmed by the presence of oxygen the doctor may proscribe hyperbaric oxygen therapy. managing osteomyelitis similar to managing any infection, antibiotic, analgesia, but also surgery or hyperbaric oxygen if we know what type of microbe it is and is affected by presence of oxygen. ## Risk Factors Risk factors for osteomyelitis include anything that would introduce pathogens into the bloodstream or adjacent tissues: - open wounds - orthopedic surgery - long-term use of intravascular access devices - like dialysis Another common risk factor is the long-term use of immunosuppressants ## Signs & Symptoms The signs and symptoms of osteomyelitis vary slightly between acute and chronic - Acute osteomyelitis is characterized by: - [[pain]] - especially tenderness at the site - [[fever]] - inflammation/erythema - swollen lymph nodes - Chronic osteomyelitis is characterized by: - [[pain]] - especially at the site - ulceration due to a chronic immune response - sinus tract (I...don't remember what this means) - there may be a [[fever]] but it may be absent ___