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Osteomyelitis Symptoms & Diagnosis

Symptoms

Symptoms include:

  • Bone pain
  • Fever or chills
  • Tenderness, warmth, swelling, or redness of the skin or joint
  • Drainage of pus
  • Nausea
  • Fatigue or irritability
  • Restricted movement of the area
  • A sore over bone that does not heal

Skin Infection Spreading to Bone

Bone Infection
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Diagnosis

The doctor will ask about your symptoms and medical history. A physical exam will be done. Tests may include:

  • Blood tests—to check for signs of infection
  • Needle aspiration of a joint—use of a needle to remove a sample for testing and culture
  • Bone biopsy —removal of a sample of bone to test for abnormal cells
  • X-rays —bone and tissue changes on x-ray may indicate osteomyelitis
  • Bone scan —a series of pictures of bones taken after injection of a small amount of radioactive material that highlights the bones
  • CT or MRI —radiographic tests to evaluate for any bone changes that may indicate osteomyelitis

Please be aware that this information is provided to supplement the care provided by your physician. It is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. CALL YOUR HEALTHCARE PROVIDER IMMEDIATELY IF YOU THINK YOU MAY HAVE A MEDICAL EMERGENCY. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Copyright © 2024 EBSCO Publishing All rights reserved.

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