Etymed
osteomyelitis
Definition
Inflammation of the bone marrow and surrounding bone tissue, typically caused by bacterial infection
Clinical context
A 23-year-old intravenous drug user presents with fever, malaise, and severe pain in his left femur that has worsened over 3 days. Physical examination reveals localized tenderness and erythema over the femoral region. X-rays show periosteal reaction and bone destruction. Blood cultures grow Staphylococcus aureus. Patient is diagnosed with osteomyelitis.
Mnemonic
Osteo = bone, myel = marrow, itis = inflammation - think 'bone marrow infection'