What happens during a bone infection?
Once a bacterial or fungal infection develops inside the bone, the immune system will attempt to stop it by sending specialised, infection-fighting white blood cells, known as neutrophils, to the source of the infection. The neutrophils will attempt to kill the bacteria, or fungi cells, that are causing the infection, but are sometimes unable to do so. If the infection is not treated, a collection of dead nuetrophoils will build up inside the bone, forming a pocket of pus known as an abscess. In cases of chronic osteomyelitis, abscesses can block the blood supply to the bone, which will eventually lead to the death of the bone. Risk factors There are a number of risk factors that can make people more vulnerable to developing osteomyelitis. These are described below. Weakened immune system If your immune system is weakened (immunocompromised) it’s more likely that an infection that develops in one part of your body will then spread to a bone. Reasons why your immune system may be weaken
