Bone and joint infections, often called musculoskeletal infections, are significant medical disorders caused by bacterial, viral, fungal, or parasitic organisms infecting the bones, joints, or surrounding soft tissues. These infections can spread by a variety of routes, including direct trauma, surgical operations, bloodstream dissemination, or contiguous spread from adjacent tissues. Common bone and joint infections include osteomyelitis (bone infection), septic arthritis (joint infection), and soft tissue infections including cellulitis and abscesses.
Preventing bone and joint infections requires rigorous sterile practices during surgical procedures, adequate wound care, and timely management of risk factors such as diabetes, immunosuppression, and peripheral vascular disease. Many patients with bone and joint infections can achieve successful outcomes and maintain joint function with prompt diagnosis, aggressive treatment, and appropriate supportive care; however, managing these complex infections frequently necessitates an integrated strategy involving orthopedic surgeons, infectious disease specialists, microbiologists, and other medical professionals.