Osteomyelitis in Children
Overview
Acute osteomyelitis is an infection in the bone. It develops over a
short time, usually about 2 weeks. In children, osteomyelitis is more common in the
long
bones of the arms and legs. But it can affect any bone in the body. Osteomyelitis
can
happen in children of any age. About half of the time, it happens in children younger
than 5 years old.
Causes
Osteomyelitis happens when a
bacterial infection from another part of the body spreads to the bone. In children,
an
infection in the blood is a common cause of osteomyelitis. This is because a child's
growing bones have an increased blood supply. That makes it easier for the bacteria
to
get into the bone. An infection from nearby soft tissue or from a wound may also lead
to
osteomyelitis.
In children, the bacteria that most
often cause osteomyelitis is Staphylococcus aureus or "Staph."
Symptoms
These are common symptoms of osteomyelitis:
- Fever
- Fussiness or grouchiness
- Tiredness
- The following may happen in the area
of the infected bone:
- Soreness or pain
- Not using the affected arm, leg,
or other part of the body
- Swelling
- Redness
Get medical care right away if you
think your child has osteomyelitis. Some of these symptoms may be caused by other
health
problems. Always talk with your child's healthcare provider for a diagnosis.
Diagnosis
The sudden development of symptoms and the physical exam are key to diagnosing osteomyelitis.
Your child may have the following tests:
-
Blood culture. A blood sample is
checked for bacteria.
-
Blood tests. Some abnormal results
mean there is an infection in the body.
-
Imaging tests. X-rays, a bone scan,
and an MRI may be done.
-
Bone biopsy. A sample of bone is
taken and checked for bacteria.
Treatment
Treatment will depend on your child’s symptoms, age, and general
health. It will also depend on how severe the condition is.
Your child will likely be treated
by 1 or more specialists. They will be given antibiotics. These will first be given
through an IV (intravenous) line into a vein. Your child will have IV medicines for
at
least a few days. In some cases this is done for a few weeks. This is often followed
by
several weeks of antibiotics taken by mouth (oral). Other treatment will be given
to
ease pain. Surgery to remove infected tissue may be done. But this is rare for
children.
Complications
Most of the time, antibiotics get rid of the infection. The infection
can become long-term or chronic, but that's not common in children.
When to Call a Healthcare Provider
Call the healthcare provider if your child has any of the following:
- Fever of 100.4°F (38°C) or higher, or
as directed by your provider
- Fussiness or grouchiness
- Tiredness
Also call the provider if your child has any of these in the area of the infection:
- Soreness or pain
- Not using that part of the body
- Swelling
- Redness
Key Points
- Osteomyelitis is an infection in the
bone.
- In children, it's more common in the
long bones.
- In children, it is often from a blood
infection.
- Antibiotics are used to treat
osteomyelitis.
- In rare cases, surgery is needed.
Next Steps
Tips to help you get the most from a visit to your child’s healthcare provider:
- Know the reason for the visit and what you want to happen.
- Before your visit, write down questions you want answered.
- At the visit, write down the name of a new diagnosis, and any new medicines, treatments,
or tests. Also write down any new instructions your provider gives you for your child.
- Know why a new medicine or treatment is prescribed and how it will help your child.
Also know what the side effects are.
- Ask if your child’s condition can be treated in other ways.
- Know why a test or procedure is recommended and what the results could mean.
- Know what to expect if your child does not take the medicine or have the test or procedure.
- If your child has a follow-up appointment, write down the date, time, and purpose
for that visit.
- Know how you can contact your child’s
provider after office hours. This is important if your child becomes ill and you have
questions or need advice.