Is acute osteomyelitis serious?

Acute osteomyelitis is a serious infectious disease that may lead to bone necrosis, joint dysfunction and even systemic infection if not treated in time. Early diagnosis and standardized treatment are the key to avoiding serious consequences.

1. Severity of acute osteomyelitis

Acute osteomyelitis is an inflammation of the bones caused by bacterial infection, which is common in children and people with weakened immune systems. The infection is usually spread through the blood, but may also invade the bones directly due to trauma or surgery. After infection, bacteria multiply rapidly in the bone marrow, causing bone destruction and local abscess formation. If not treated promptly, the infection may spread to surrounding tissues and blood, causing sepsis or multiple organ failure, which is seriously life-threatening.

2. Causes of acute osteomyelitis

The etiology of acute osteomyelitis is complex and mainly includes the following aspects:

Genetic factors: Certain gene variations may increase the risk of infection.

Environmental factors: Long-term exposure to polluted environments or contact with infectious sources may induce disease.

Physiological factors: Underlying diseases such as low immunity, diabetes, and chronic kidney disease increase the probability of infection.

Trauma: Open fractures, surgical wounds, or skin breaks may serve as pathways for bacterial entry.

Pathological factors: Infection of adjacent tissues such as cellulitis may spread to the bone.

3. Treatment of acute osteomyelitis

The treatment of acute osteomyelitis requires a combination of multiple approaches, and early intervention is the key.

Drug treatment: Antibiotics are the first choice. Commonly used drugs include vancomycin, ceftriaxone and clindamycin. The medication needs to be adjusted according to the results of bacterial culture.

Surgical treatment: For abscesses or necrotic tissue, debridement or drainage is required, and antibiotic bone cement is implanted if necessary.

Dietary adjustment: Increasing the intake of foods rich in protein and vitamins, such as eggs, milk, and green leafy vegetables, can help enhance immunity.

Sports rehabilitation: After the infection is controlled, moderate joint movements and muscle exercises can be performed under the guidance of a doctor to prevent joint stiffness and muscle atrophy.

Although acute osteomyelitis is serious, most patients can fully recover through timely diagnosis and standardized treatment. If you experience persistent bone pain, fever, or local redness and swelling, you should seek medical attention immediately to avoid delaying the disease. Early intervention and comprehensive treatment are the key to avoiding complications. Patients need to actively cooperate with doctors' treatment and pay attention to daily care and rehabilitation exercises.