Osteomyelitis is an infection in the bone. Infection is more common in the long bones of the body, but it can affect any bone in the body. Osteomyelitis can occur in children of any age, but is more common in premature infants and babies born with complications.

Many different types of bacteria and viruses can cause osteomyelitis. The most common type of bacteria is called Staphylococcus aureus. The bacteria can enter the body in a variety of ways including, but not limited to, the following:

• Infected wounds
• Open fractures — broken bones penetrate through the skin
• Foreign object penetrating the skin
• Infected joints
• Infection that spreads from another source inside the body, such as ear infections
• Trauma

The physician makes the diagnosis of osteomyelitis with a complete medical history of the child, physical examination, and diagnostic tests. The physician obtains a complete prenatal and birth history of the child and asks if the child has had any recent colds or other infections.

• X-rays: A diagnostic test which uses invisible electromagnetic energy beams to produce images of internal tissues, bones, and organs onto film
• Bone scans : A nuclear imaging method to evaluate any degenerative and/or arthritic changes in the joints. detect bone diseases and tumors and determine the cause of bone pain or inflammation
• Blood tests (labs)

Specific treatment for osteomyelitis will be determined by your child's physician based on:

• Your child's age, overall health and medical history
• The extent of the condition
• Your child's tolerance for specific medications, procedures or therapies
• Expectations for the course of the condition
• Your opinion or preference

The goal of treatment is to relieve the pain and completely treat the infection. Treatment may include one or a combination of the following:

• Antibiotics (to fight the infection)
• Pain medications
• Surgery (to clean out the infected area in and around the bone)

Expert pediatric care: At Children’s Wisconsin, our Orthopedics and Sports Medicine Programs specializes in all areas of orthopedic care, from upper extremity, trauma, spine and fracture care to sports medicine and concussion care. We treat all orthopedic conditions, from routine to serious. Kids are not just little adults, and require unique, individualized care for their developing little bodies. Our doctors are pediatric experts and every doctor specializes 100% in kids and teens.