Bone infection does not always show typical symptoms, which makes it difficult to recognize the disease. In an acute illness, high fever may occur in conjunction with a strong general feeling of illness. The affected section of the bone hurts a lot and is often swollen as well. If the inflammation affects not only the bone but an entire joint, the joint also hurts and its mobility is limited.
How does a chronic bone infection manifest itself?
In chronic bone infection, symptoms appear late, depending on the activity of the infection. General symptoms such as fever and feeling sick are often absent in this case. Affected individuals are more likely to complain of pain on exertion or at rest, as well as limited mobility of adjacent joints. The skin over the affected area may be red, heated, or taut.
A fistula may occur as a complication: This is a duct that forms between the diseased bone and the surface of the body. It may also secrete secretions. The skin around the fistula is often deeply retracted and very thin.
How does a doctor recognize a bone infection?
During the medical history, the physician first obtains information about the patient’s medical history to discover evidence of a bone infection. Has there been any recent surgery? Has there perhaps been an accident with an open fracture? In children, he may ask about a middle ear infection or a childhood illness such as scarlet fever.
Based on blood work, the doctor will then determine if there is inflammation in the body. In the case of a chronic bone infection, however, this method is uncertain, since here the inflammation values in the blood are not always clearly elevated. On the X-ray, the doctor sees changes in the bone structure. In the acute stage of the disease, however, the X-ray image is often inconspicuous; the bone loss typical of an infection only occurs later in the course of the disease.
An ultrasound examination or magnetic resonance imaging can also show the extent to which the disease has attacked the bone and which structures are affected. To determine the exact pathogen causing the infection, the physician performs a puncture. In this way, he extracts fluid directly from the focus of inflammation. The laboratory then determines which bacterium is involved. This is particularly important for further treatment with an antibiotic.
