Bone And Joint Infections (Visit this link)
Mayo Clinic Bone and Joint Infections Overview Your bones and joints, like nearly every part of your body, can fall prey to infection. Joint infections (septic or infectious arthritis) can damage cartilage and tissue within days. Bone infections, osteomyelitis (os-te-o-mi-uh-LI-tis), may fester for years and become debilitating if untreated. Bacteria, viruses, fungi and other germs are the culprits in these types of infections. They originate from an infection or injury elsewhere in your body. The germs from those sites are carried to your bones or joints through the bloodstream. Alternatively, the germs may enter a bone or joint directly from trauma or a nearby infection. For example, a sinus infection can spread directly into neighboring bones. Short-lived (acute) infections usually are treated and eliminated. When these infections don't go away with treatment, they can lead to a long-term (chronic) condition. Treatment can help control chronic infections, but the infections may reoccur or relapse. Approximately two to five of every 10,000 people experience one of these diseases. They can afflict any bone or joint at any age. In rare circumstances bone and joint infections can be fatal. However, early diagnosis and proper treatment — especially with the use of appropriate antibiotics, which attack bacterial infections — can help control or eliminate the infection. Continued with - Signs and symptoms Causes Risk factors When to seek medical advice Screening and diagnosis Complications Treatment Prevention Self-care
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Added: Sun Apr 02 2006
