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Osteomyelitis is an infection in the bone that causes swelling and inflammation of the bone tissue. The condition is usually caused by a bacterial bloodstream infection that has spread to the bone, but it can also start in the bone due to injury or trauma. The area around the infection may become warm, red, swollen or tender and the child may develop a fever or have the chills.
Osteomyelitis Treatment: What You Need to Know
- Osteomyelitis is usually found in children younger than five years old and is more common among boys.
- When diagnosed in children, it most often affects the end of the long bone in the arms (humerus) and legs (femur).
- A child with osteomyelitis may develop a limp or stop using their arm or leg due to pain caused by the condition.
- Diagnosis is made through physical examination and diagnostic procedures, including blood tests, bone biopsies, X-rays, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans, computed tomography (CT or CAT) scans or ultrasounds.
- Antibiotics are prescribed to fight the infection in the bone. Some cases may also require surgery to remove parts of the bone or to drain fluids that have accumulated.
Learn more about osteomyelitis in our Health Library.
Why Choose Johns Hopkins for treatment of osteomyelitis?
The Charlotte R. Bloomberg Children’s Center at Johns Hopkins is a beautiful, state-of-the-art hospital that offers an astonishing level of service and innovation in care. The center provides 205 private inpatient rooms equipped with sleeping accommodations for parents. At the Charlotte R. Bloomberg Children’s Center, we understand the special health care needs of each child, as well as the importance of including families as part of our health care team to create the best experience possible.
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