Infection of bone and bone marrow, usually caused by bacteria. Can be acute or chronic, causing severe pain, fever, and potentially bone destruction if untreated.
From Greek 'osteon' (bone), 'myelos' (marrow), and '-itis' (inflammation). The term was coined in the 19th century when microscopic examination revealed that bone infections involved both the hard bone tissue and the soft marrow inside.
Osteomyelitis can be incredibly difficult to cure because bone has relatively poor blood supply, making it hard for antibiotics to reach the infection. Some patients require months of intravenous antibiotics, and in severe cases, infected bone must be surgically removed and replaced with metal implants.
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