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How can untreated osteomyelitis damage bone and nearby joints?
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bone disease
Defect of tibia, caused by septic osteomyelitis in childhood, with compensatory thickening of the fibula (right). Normal bones are shown at left.
If left untreated, osteomyelitis can cause severe and progressive damage to both bone and nearby joints:
- Bone Destruction and Death: The infection triggers inflammation that destroys cancellous bone and bone marrow. It can block nutrient blood vessels, leading to osteonecrosis—the death of bone tissue. This extensive damage increases the risk of fractures and, in children, can result in stunted growth.12
- Chronic Complications: The disease may progress to a chronic state where infection remains active, often leading to the formation of sinus tracts that drain pus to the skin surface. In severe cases, this may necessitate the amputation of the affected limb.12
- Joint Involvement: Infection can extend from the bone into an adjacent joint, leading to infectious arthritis. This occurs when the infection breaches the outer layer of the bone, potentially causing rapid damage to joint cartilage and leading to significant destruction of the surrounding skeletal structures.23
Prompt medical intervention, typically involving antibiotics and sometimes surgery, is essential to prevent these permanent deformities and systemic health risks.12