Osteomyelitis is infection of a bone, usually due to injury, surgery, or the spread of infection from elsewhere in the body. Often, the infection is with Staphylococcus aureus bacteria; other possible causes include tuberculosis and fungal infection.
In acute osteomyelitis, symptoms develop suddenly and may include fever and severe pain in the affected bone.
In chronic osteomyelitis, symptoms develop gradually and may include mild fever and persistent pain in the affected bone.
Treatment is with antibiotics or antifungal drugs. Surgery to remove the affected area of bone may also be necessary.