Germs can reach a bone or joint through an injury, an open wound, surgery or the bloodstream. Children and people with diabetes are at higher risk. Without prompt treatment, the infection can become long-lasting.
Common symptoms
- Pain, swelling, redness and warmth over a bone
- Fever and weakness
- Pus from a wound, or a wound that won't heal
When to see a doctor
- Promptly when pain and swelling come with a fever
- When a wound after surgery or a plaster cast oozes pus, smells or hurts more
- Without delay when a child suddenly won't move an arm or leg and has a fever
How it is evaluated
- Physical examination and blood tests
- X-ray, and MRI or a test of the pus when needed
- Antibiotics and, when needed, surgery to clean out the infected area
Emergency: after a serious accident, a suspected fracture with deformity, heavy bleeding, numbness or loss of movement, go to the nearest hospital emergency department immediately.