What are the causes of osteomyelitis?

Osteomyelitis is the result of infection by bacteria or fungi. Staphylococcus bacterial infection is the most common cause. Bone infection can develop due to bacteria or fungus in the bloodstream, injuries that cause damage to deep tissues, open deep wounds, severe bone fractures, bone surgeries including bone implants, blocked blood vessels disrupting normal blood circulation, insertion of intravenous (IV) lines or catheters such as dialysis machine tubing and urinary catheters, and a weakened immune system as in the case of cancer treatment.

The risk factors for osteomyelitis include age (elderly people are more prone to infection), a severe bone fracture, diseases that reduce blood circulation such as diabetes, peripheral artery disease and sickle cell anemia, alcoholism, intravenous drug use, and recent injury or surgeries such as hip and knee replacements.