Osteomyelitis is an infection of bone that is usually caused by bacteria entering through the bloodstream or direct inoculation via injury. It can be acute, subacute, or chronic. Common symptoms include fever, pain, and swelling near the infected bone. Diagnosis involves blood tests, imaging like x-rays, MRI, and bone scans, and bone/blood cultures. Treatment consists of antibiotics tailored to the identified bacteria as well as possible surgical drainage of abscesses.