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Orthopaedic care
Osteomyelitis
Osteomyelitis is a painful bone infection that needs to be treated early to avoid complications.
About osteomyelitis
Osteomyelitis can affect anyone, it is more common after a recent fracture, especially if you needed pins to stabilise your bone, if you have an artificial hip, or if you've had surgery or osteomyelitis before.
A severely weakened immune system, diabetes or close contact with tuberculosis can also make it more likely.
Need to know
If you have osteomyelitis, you are likely to experience pain, swelling, redness or a warm feeling around an area of bone. You usually feel it in the long bones of your legs (femur). This may be combined with a high temperature or fever, although less so in young children.You should be especially aware of these symptoms if you've had osteomyelitis before.
When diagnosing osteomyelitis, you'll probably have a blood test done first. Your consultant or GP may then also recommend a scan, or a biopsy when they'll take a small amount fluid from the bone to test it.
If you have osteomyelitis, your consultant will prescribe you antibiotics, usually for at least six weeks. If the infection is severe, you may have to stay in hospital to have antibiotics intravenously, which is when they are given directly into your vein. In some cases, you may need surgery. This could be to remove bone damaged by the infection, to prevent possible deformity or to relieve pressure on the spinal cord.
Osteomyelitis tests & scans
MRI for musculoskeletal and sports injuries
MRI for musculoskeletal and sports injuries is a safe, reliable way to reach a quick and accurate diagnosis. It gives specialists a clear view of joints, muscles and ligaments to help you get the right treatment sooner.
Our Osteomyelitis locations
The Harborne Hospital
Mindelsohn Way B15 2TQ Birmingham
The Princess Grace Hospital
42-52 Nottingham Place W1U 5NY London
The Wellington Hospital
8A Wellington Place St John's Wood NW8 9LE London
London Bridge Hospital
27 Tooley Street SE1 2PR London
Patient stories
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Sarah's story
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