Osteomyelitis is a rare but serious infection of the bone. The infection can spread through the bloodstream into the bone, or an open fracture or surgery can cause the bone to become infected. Osteomyelitis of the humerus is a form of osteomyelitis in the arm that needs to be treated early and properly to preserve the function of the arm.

Primary bone cancer is less common than other cancers. The disease develops silently, when detected, it is often at a late stage and the prognosis is very poor.