The following symptoms and complaints may indicate osteomyelitis (bone marrow inflammation):
Acute osteomyelitis
- Pain in the affected region
- Swelling in the affected region/strong sensitivity to pressure
- With joint involvement forced posture, painful functional lock; possibly also effusion; later usually also reddening of the skin and possibly increased venous drawing
- Fever
Chronic osteomyelitis
- If necessary, insidious course (not uncommon).
- Load-dependent pain, pain at rest
- Movement restriction of the adjacent joints
- Swelling over the focus of the disease; tapping and compressive pain.
- Fistula secretion, chronic or recurrent.
- Preferably affected meta- and diaphyses of the long tubular bones (due to medullary phlegmon).
Chronic osteomyelitis may extend over decades. Osteomyelitis may be initially asymptomatic.
Further notes
- Any acute febrile illness in childhood with the above symptoms is suspicious for osteomyelitis.
- Acute infant osteomyelitis (hematogenous form of osteomyelitis) usually involves the hip joint (infant coxitis).
