Topic overview

Start with the big picture

The likely cause of osteomyelitis varies with how infection reaches bone and the patient’s context. Staphylococcus aureus, including MRSA, is the most common pathogen overall; other organisms are associated with settings such as sickle cell disease, puncture wounds, urosepsis, and diabetic foot infection. Localized bone pain and swelling, reduced range of motion, and sometimes fever may prompt evaluation, with inflammatory markers helping assess the picture. MRI is identified as the preferred imaging study, while bone biopsy and culture provide the diagnostic gold standard. Treatment planning depends on culture results and risks such as healthcare exposure, Pseudomonas, anaerobes, or prosthetic material. The broader lesson also considers special populations, monitoring, surgical management, relapse risks, and antimicrobial stewardship.