Which term describes inflammation/infection of bone and bone marrow?

• A. Osteomyelitis
• B. Arthritis
• C. Osteoporosis
• D. Spondylitis

Answer: (A)

Inflammation or infection of bone and bone marrow is called osteomyelitis. It happens when bacteria reach bone—often through the bloodstream or from a nearby wound—triggering inflammation inside the marrow and the surrounding bone. Clinically, it presents with deep, localized bone pain, warmth or swelling, and sometimes fever. In podiatry, foot osteomyelitis is a serious concern, especially with diabetic ulcers, because infection can spread into the bone. Other terms describe different problems: arthritis is inflammation of a joint, osteoporosis is a loss of bone density without infection, and spondylitis is inflammation of the spine. So the term that specifically describes infection of bone and bone marrow is osteomyelitis.