Parent Education for Osteomyelitis

Osteomyelitis can affect children after they have had a bone break or injury. Because it is easy to attribute its symptoms to what has already occurred it is important for parents to be aware of the signs of osteomyelitis so treatment can be sought immediately.

Identification

• Osteomyelitis is an infection that occurs inside of a bone. The infection can either originate from the bone or from the outside and is most common in the leg bone, spine, upper arm or pelvis.

Cause

• For your child's bone to become infected, bacteria must have access to the inside of the bone or the nearby tissue, usually via a break or a puncture wound. Infections can also be spread through the blood stream.

Symptoms

• Young children might become lethargic or irritable. Other symptoms may include a fever that comes on quickly, plus swelling, pain, redness and warmth in the vicinity of the injury.

Treatment

• Antibiotics are used to fight the infection. Surgery might also be necessary to drain the area, restore lost blood flow or remove diseased tissue or bones.

Warning

• Children with poor circulation or diabetes are more at risk for this infection. Therefore, if such children are dealing with a break or puncture wound it is especially important to be on the watch for signs of an infection.