Word parts
What it means
Bone infection, most often from bacteria such as Staphylococcusstaf-uh-loh-KOK-usA group of round bacteria that grow in grape-like clusters and often live on the skin and in the nose.staphyl/o cluster, like grapes-coccus round bacteriumFull entry aureus. Germs reach the bone through the blood, from a nearby infection such as a diabetic foot ulcer, or directly through an open fracture or surgery. It can become long-lasting and hard to cure, and often needs weeks of IV antibiotics and sometimes surgery to remove dead bone.
For the nurse
Give antibiotics on time, often through a PICC line for weeks, and check drug levels as ordered. Protect the limb, manage pain and support nutrition for healing.
At a glance
| Spanish | osteomielitis |
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Related terms
ulcer
An open sore where the skin or the lining of an organ has broken down.
Staphylococcus
A group of round bacteria that grow in grape-like clusters and often live on the skin and in the nose.
oste/o
A word root that means bone.
infection
The entry and growth of germs, such as bacteria, viruses, fungi or parasites, in the body.