What does "osteomyelitis" mean?

Osteomyelitis means infection and inflammation of bone and bone marrow. The term breaks into osteo meaning bone, myel meaning marrow, and itis meaning inflammation. It is usually caused by bacteria, most commonly Staphylococcus aureus, that reach the bone through the bloodstream, direct contamination from open fractures or surgery, or spread from nearby infected tissue. Symptoms include bone pain, fever, swelling, warmth, and redness over the affected area.