What should you know about MRSA and osteomyelitis?

MRSA is a strain of Staphylococcus aureus that is resistant to several commonly used antibiotics. Osteomyelitis means infection within bone. Bacteria can reach bone through the bloodstream, an open injury, nearby infected tissue, or a surgical wound. Symptoms may include persistent bone pain, warmth, swelling, redness, drainage or fever, although the pattern can vary. An infection around metalwork, a wound or a pressure area may need specialist assessment.

Clinicians may use examination, blood tests, imaging and a sample from the infected area to identify the organism and choose treatment. A positive MRSA result from one site does not by itself prove that bone is infected; the whole clinical picture matters.

Arrange prompt medical review if MRSA is suspected or a wound is not healing. Take antibiotics exactly as prescribed and do not stop because pain or fever improves unless your treating clinician changes the plan. Keep dressings and any wound-care instructions as directed, and tell the team about previous antibiotic reactions, kidney problems and other medicines. Some infections need drainage or removal of infected tissue as well as antibiotics. If bone has been damaged after infection is controlled, [Bone Grafting](/treatments/trauma-and-fracture-care/bone-grafting/) may be considered to help restore a bone defect.

Seek urgent care for fever with worsening bone or wound pain, spreading redness, pus, confusion, faintness, rapid breathing, or feeling suddenly very unwell. Go urgently if a limb becomes pale, cold, numb or difficult to move. These signs may indicate a spreading infection, circulation problem or another complication that needs immediate assessment.

Ask how MRSA was identified, whether a bone sample is needed, which bone is involved and how treatment will be monitored. Clarify how to care for the wound, which symptoms mean the plan needs review, and whether imaging or surgery is being considered. Tell the team promptly about new diarrhoea, rash, breathing difficulty or reduced urine while taking treatment.