MODEL RELEASED. Bone infection. Legs of a Ugandan patient with osteomyelitis (bone infection). Osteomyelitis is often caused by an infection spreading to bone from elsewhere in the body through the blood. Chronic (long-lasting) infection can lead to the death of bone, forming a cavity. Risk factors include bone injury, diabetes and intravenous drug abuse. Treatment is with antibiotic injections. Chronic infection may require surgery to remove dead bone, and possibly replace it with a bone graft. Photographed at St. Mary's Hospital in Lacor, Gulu, Uganda.