Causes of Osteomyelitis
Disease description:
I have recently been experiencing bone pain and some fever. After visiting the hospital for examination, the doctor mentioned that it might be osteomyelitis. I'm very concerned and would like to know what exactly causes osteomyelitis?
Doctor's answer (1)
Dr. Chen Jian
Osteomyelitis is a serious bone infection disease with diverse causes, which can be mainly categorized into the following types:
1. Hematogenous infection: When infections exist in other parts of the body, bacteria may enter the bone through the bloodstream, leading to osteomyelitis. This situation is more common in patients suffering from diseases such as tonsillitis and otitis media.
2. Traumatic infection: Fractures, lacerations, or injuries caused by surgery may lead to bacterial infection and subsequently osteomyelitis if wound management is inappropriate or disinfection is inadequate.
3. Soft tissue infection: When soft tissues, such as those affected by purulent tenosynovitis (infection of the finger), become infected, the infection may spread to adjacent bones and cause osteomyelitis if not treated promptly.
4. Fungal infection: Although relatively rare, certain fungi such as Candida and Aspergillus can also cause osteomyelitis, especially in patients with compromised immune systems.
5. Spread of adjacent tissue infection: When infections occur in other parts of the body, such as skin infections, arthritis, or soft tissue infections, failure to provide timely and effective treatment may allow the infection to spread to neighboring bones, causing osteomyelitis.
6. Iatrogenic factors: During medical procedures such as surgery, fracture fixation, or implant placement, if aseptic techniques are not strictly followed, bacterial infection may occur, thereby causing osteomyelitis.
