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Bone and Joint Infections

Overview

Bone and joint infections are usually caused by bacteria called Staphylococcus aureus (or “staph”) and require treatment with antibiotics. A serious form of staph known as methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) causes infections that can be more severe and need special antibiotics to treat.

An infection in your bone can impede blood circulation within the bone, leading to bone death. Areas where bone has died need to be surgically removed for antibiotics to be effective. Sometimes, infection within bones can spread into a nearby joint.

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