Guide To The Types Of Myelitis

Osteomyelitis

Osteomyelitis is a rare bone infection. It is technically a separate condition, though it can occur alongside another type of myelitis. This infection is usually the result of Staphylococcus aureus, which is a type of staph bacteria. Chronic conditions, such as diabetes, increases an individual's risk of developing osteomyelitis. It is worth noting that the infection can happen in several ways. One is that an infection elsewhere in the body spreads to the bloodstream and travels to the individual's bones. Other sources are infections reaching the bone through surgery or an open fracture.

Symptoms of this condition include fatigue, swelling around the affected bone, fever, nausea, irritability, and lost range of motion. Patients often deal with warmth, tenderness, and redness around the infection site. Most patients receive antibiotics to treat their infection. The antibiotics may be given intravenously in the hospital at first, but patients can transition to oral antibiotics. Severe cases may require surgery to remove infected tissue and bone.