Which term refers to inflammation or infection of bone and bone marrow?

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

Answer: (B)

Osteomyelitis is the inflammation or infection of bone and bone marrow. The name combines bone (osteo) and marrow (myelo) with a suffix meaning inflammation (itis), reflecting that the process involves both the bone tissue and its marrow. This condition usually arises when bacteria—most often Staphylococcus aureus—reach bone through the bloodstream, from nearby infected tissue, or after a trauma that introduces organisms. Clinically, you’ll see localized bone pain and swelling, warmth over the area, and sometimes fever or malaise. Diagnosis combines labs showing inflammation (like elevated CRP and ESR) with imaging; MRI is particularly helpful early on, while X-rays may be normal initially and later show bone changes such as lytic lesions or sclerosis. Treatment starts with antibiotics, tailored to culture results, and may require surgical debridement if there is dead bone (sequestrum) or poor blood supply. Other terms refer to inflammation of joints or specific regions (like joints in arthritis or the spine in spondylitis) and do not describe infection of bone and marrow.