Osteomyelitis

WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW:

• Osteomyelitis is a severe infection of the bone. It may be acute (sudden), occurring within days or weeks, or chronic (long-standing), staying for months or years. Osteomyelitis can happen to anyone of any age and may affect any bone. It may be caused by different types of germs, including bacteria and fungi. Bacteria usually cause bone infection by infecting an open fracture (broken bone with open skin wound). You may also get osteomyelitis after a bone operation. Germs from another infection may also get to your bone by traveling through the blood. Anything that causes a weak immune system or poor blood flow may increase your risk for having osteomyelitis.
  
  
• Common signs and symptoms of a bone infection include pain, redness, or swelling of the infected bone area. You may have fever or night sweats. The infected area may be bruised or discolored, and there may be pus draining out of the skin. Different blood tests, bone biopsy and cultures, and different imaging tests of the bone, may be used for diagnosis. You may need medicines to fight the infection or surgery as treatment. With treatment, such as medicines and surgery, you have a greater chance of having a full recovery. Ask your caregiver about these tests and treatments.

AFTER YOU LEAVE:

Take your medicine as directed.

Call your primary healthcare provider if you think your medicine is not helping or if you have side effects. Tell him if you are allergic to any medicine. Keep a list of the medicines, vitamins, and herbs you take. Include the amounts, and when and why you take them. Bring the list or the pill bottles to follow-up visits. Carry your medicine list with you in case of an emergency.

• Antibiotics: This medicine is given to fight or prevent an infection caused by bacteria. Always take your antibiotics exactly as ordered by your primary healthcare provider. Do not stop taking your medicine unless directed by your primary healthcare provider. Never save antibiotics or take leftover antibiotics that were given to you for another illness.
  
  
• Pain medicine: You may need medicine to take away or decrease pain.
  
  
  • Learn how to take your medicine. Ask what medicine and how much you should take. Be sure you know how, when, and how often to take it.
    
    
  • Do not wait until the pain is severe before you take your medicine. Tell caregivers if your pain does not decrease.
    
    
  • Pain medicine can make you dizzy or sleepy. Prevent falls by calling someone when you get out of bed or if you need help.

Ask for information about where and when to go for follow-up visits:

For continuing care, treatments, or home services, ask for more information.

Diet:

• Eat healthy foods from all of the five food groups: fruits, vegetables, breads, dairy products, meat and fish. Eating healthy foods may help you feel better, have more energy, and help you heal faster. It may be easier to eat smaller meals more often. Ask your caregiver if you should follow a special diet. If you have other health condition, your caregiver or dietitian will help you plan a diet that is right for you.
  
  
• Do not drink alcohol: Some people should not drink alcohol. These people include those with certain medical conditions or who take medicine that interacts with alcohol. Alcohol includes beer, wine, and liquor. Tell your caregiver if you drink alcohol. Ask him to help you stop drinking.

Self-care:

Other health problems may make it easier for you to get new infections. Regular visits to your caregiver may help you stay healthy.

• It is important to take care of your skin and feet if you have diabetes. You may do this by checking and washing your skin and feet everyday. Ask your caregivers for more information about diabetic care.
  
  
• Keep your wound clean. If you cannot reach it, ask for help. Always wash your hands before and after taking care of a wound to keep from spreading the infection. Ask your caregiver for more information about wound care.

Do not smoke:

If you smoke, it is never too late to quit. Ask for information about how to stop smoking if you need help.

For more information:

Osteomyelitis may be a life-changing disease for you and your family. Accepting that you have a serious bone infection is hard. You, your family, and those close to you may feel scared, sad, or angry. These are normal feelings. Talk to your caregivers. your family, or friends about your feelings. Contact the following for more information:

• American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons
  6300 North River Road
  Rosemont , IL 60018-4262
  Phone: 1- 847 - 823-7186
  Web Address: http://www.aaos.org/
  

• National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Disease
  Information Clearinghouse
  National Institutes of Health
  1 AMS Circle
  Bethesda , MD 20892-3675
  Phone: 1- 301 - 495-4484
  Phone: 1- 877 - 226-4267
  Web Address: http://www.niams.nih.gov
  

CONTACT A CAREGIVER IF:

• You have a fever.
  
  
• You have new drainage or an odor from the healing wound or incision site.
  
  
• Your skin is itchy, swollen, or has a rash.
  
  
• You have questions or concerns about your osteomyelitis, treatment, or care.

SEEK CARE IMMEDIATELY IF:

• You have increased swelling, pain, or redness of your injured area.
  
  
• You have trouble breathing all of a sudden.

Learn more about Osteomyelitis (Discharge Care)