All That Coughs Is Not COVID | Article
What Is Osteomyelitis?
Osteomyelitis is an infection and inflammation of the bone. It can happen when a bacterial or fungal infection enters a bone from the bloodstream or surrounding tissue. A person may have pain, swelling, and flu-like symptoms.
Osteomyelitis may develop quickly or over time. And about 2–5 per 10,000 people in the United States may have it.
The infection can occur at any age. Long bone infections, involving the arms or legs, are more common in children. But generally, older adults are more prone to osteomyelitis because they experience more health issues that can increase the risk of infections, such as diabetes or orthopedic problems that require surgery.
This article explores the types and treatments of osteomyelitis, as well as the signs and how to prevent it.
Osteomyelitis may be "hematogenous," stemming from the bloodstream, or non-hematogenous.
Hematogenous osteomyelitis involves an infection traveling to the bone from the bloodstream. It might develop if Staphylococcus aureus enters the body through IV treatment. It is more common in children.
Non-hematogenous osteomyelitis may result from trauma, such as a fracture or an open wound. Surgery may be responsible, especially if it involves a prosthetic material, such as metal pins, screws, or plates, which can carry bacteria or fungi.
When children develop non-hematogenous osteomyelitis, it most likely stems from trauma.
Diabetes and peripheral vascular disease (PVD) can make the treatment more challenging.
The symptoms of osteomyelitis can depend on the location of the infection, its severity, and the person's age and general health.
They commonly include:
The best treatment depends on the severity of osteomyelitis, which may be acute or chronic.
AcuteAcute osteomyelitis develops quickly and can result from:
In children, osteomyelitis tends to be acute, and it usually develops within 2 weeks of a blood infection.
A delay in the diagnosis and treatment can lead to growth disturbances, malformation, and life threatening complications.
TreatmentThis may involve a course of antibiotics or antifungal medication.
Adults may require up to 6 weeks of treatment, which may be IV or oral. A person may need to receive it in a hospital. Possible side effects of antibiotics include diarrhea, vomiting, and nausea.
If a drug-resistant strain of bacteria, such as methicillin-resistant S. Aureus, or MRSA, has caused the infection, the treatment may take longer and require a combination of medications. The person may also need surgery, depending on the site or the source of the infection.
ChronicChronic osteomyelitis usually occurs after an acute episode if the treatment has not been entirely effective. However, it can develop without a known acute episode of osteomyelitis.
The symptoms are not always obvious, and they can resemble those of an injury. This can make a diagnosis more difficult, especially when the infection occurs in the hip, pelvis, or spine.
A person may experience bone pain, swelling, and tenderness, as well as color changes that may involve redness.
TreatmentDoctors recommend antibiotics for bacterial infections, as well as surgery to repair any bone damage and remove unhealthy areas.
In some cases, doctors may also recommend hyperbaric oxygen therapy to improve the penetration of some antibiotics and possibly to improve wound healing.
More specifically, the surgery may involve:
If the person is not well enough to have surgery, the doctor may rely on long-term IV antibiotics. They may reconsider surgery if this treatment is ineffective or the infection spreads from the bone into the bloodstream.
Osteomyelitis is difficult to treat. It often requires imaging, such as CT scans, surgery, and excellent wound care.
A person may go on to experience:
PVD and immune-compromising conditions, such as diabetes, can make treating the infection even more difficult. Successful treatment requires a person to follow all guidance extremely carefully.
A person may be more likely to develop osteomyelitis if they:
Acute osteomyelitis is more common in children. Males and people over 50 are more likely to develop the infection in a vertebra.
A doctor first does an examination for signs such as tenderness and swelling. They also ask about the person's recent medical history, particularly about accidents, operations, or infections.
They may then request:
The damage may not be visible for 2 weeks on an X-ray, so the more detailed scans are more effective for recent injuries.
The symptoms can differ from person to person. Overall, anyone with a weakened immune system who has any concerning symptoms should receive medical guidance.
To prevent osteomyelitis, doctors recommend:
WWE Hall Of Famer Has Lost 80 Pounds While In Hospital Fighting For His Life
WWE Hall of Famer "Superstar" Billy Graham continues to battle for his life.
And, for the first time in more than two weeks, fans got an update on the legendary grappler's battle via his Facebook page.
Graham has a long history of medical issues, but the latest began when he reportedly coded during a hospital visit in January before being brought back by doctors. Per his Facebook page, he has not been home since, instead remaining in the hospital or a rehab center for care.
"Due to ongoing issues from his lack of appetite he has now lost 80 pounds and subsequently continues to struggle with extreme weakness," the post to his social media account said Wednesday. "The Osteomyelitis infection in his ears, skull and sinus cavity remains his greatest challenges."
The post said that the wrestler is "on strong IV antibiotics 3 times a day to treat this and the infectious disease doctor said he will need them for at least 3 more months."
Graham is currently deaf because of the infection, the post said.
"We're praying this is temporary, and will resolve as the infection is treated," the post said. "He has intermittently also suffered with kidney issues and (has been) on dialysis. This is in addition to Billy having heart and lung concerns, sores from being in bed for 4 months and depression."
The post also said that the financial situation for Graham, 79, whose real name is Eldridge Wayne Coleman, and his wife, Valerie Coleman, has become "dire as insurance is only covering part of his treatment." The post said that Valeria is also dealing with long COVID.
"The emotional strain of not being able to visit her husband, due to COVID, along with the deep concern over his health as well as their financial difficulties is heart-wrenching and very stressful for them," the post read before linking to his GoFundMe page.
During his days in the wrestling ring, Graham was known for his big personality and was an inspiration for many big-name wrestlers — guys like Hulk Hogan and Ric Flair — who followed in his footsteps.
He was a three-time heavyweight champion in major wrestling organizations, and was a 2004 inductee into the WWE Hall of Fame.
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Professional FAQs: How Quickly Does Osteomyelitis Spread?
© Provided by Getty Images M.D., MBA · 5 years of experience · USA Osteomyelitis is a bacterial or fungal infection or infection due to injury. It reaches to the bone and causes necrosis which again may cause sepsis. *Acute osteomyelitis- infection develops within 2 weeks of injury. *Sub acute osteomyelitis-1-2 months of injury. *Chronic osteomyelitis-starts after 2 months of injury.
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MD · 40 years of experience · USAOver a period of 7 to 10 days, osteomyelitis does spread. By traveling through the bloodstream or spreading from nearby tissues, infections can reach a bone.
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M.D., FAAFP (Family Physician) · 40 years of experience · USAAcute osteomyelitis can spread very quickly over 7 to 10 days. It extends from the skin to the bone from the bone to the associated muscles and tendons. From bone, it can be spread by hematogenous route to the other body parts and bones.
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