What should you know about an osteomyelitis wound?

Osteomyelitis is an infection in bone. It may develop when bacteria travel through an open wound, a deep skin infection, or tissue around an operation or injury. A wound over an infected bone may remain open, drain fluid, develop an unpleasant odour, or fail to improve as expected. Redness, warmth, swelling and tenderness can spread beyond the wound edges. Some people have fever or feel generally unwell, while others mainly notice persistent local changes.

The appearance of a wound cannot confirm bone infection by itself. A clinician may examine its depth, blood supply and nearby joints, then use blood tests and imaging. A sample from deeper tissue may help identify the organism and guide treatment.

Arrange a prompt appointment with a doctor or wound-care service. Keep the dressing clean and follow the instructions you were given for changing it. Do not squeeze the wound, probe it, or apply leftover antibiotics or harsh antiseptics. Limit pressure on the area if walking makes pain or drainage worse, and bring a list of medicines and any history of surgery, injury, diabetes or circulation problems.

Treatment may involve targeted antibiotics, wound cleaning, removal of unhealthy tissue, and management of pressure or circulation. If infected or damaged bone does not recover, a specialist may discuss reconstructive options such as [Bone Grafting](/treatments/trauma-and-fracture-care/bone-grafting/).

Seek urgent medical help if redness is rapidly spreading, pain suddenly becomes severe, the wound turns dark, drainage increases sharply, or you develop fever, chills, confusion, weakness or difficulty staying awake. Urgent assessment is also needed if a wound exposes bone, a limb becomes cold or pale, or you cannot move a nearby joint normally.

Ask whether the wound reaches bone, which tests are needed, whether a deep sample is appropriate, how to protect the area while it heals, and what signs would mean the infection is worsening.