Osteomyelitis Treatment

Expert Care for Bone Infections

At our orthopedic practice, we specialize in diagnosing and treating osteomyelitis, a serious bone infection that requires prompt, expert care. Our board-certified orthopedic surgeons, supported by advanced diagnostics like our X-ray facility and a multidisciplinary team, provide comprehensive solutions to eliminate infection, preserve bone health, and restore your mobility. From antibiotics to advanced surgical interventions, we’re here to guide you through every step of recovery with compassion and precision.

Understanding Osteomyelitis

Osteomyelitis is an infection of the bone caused by bacteria, fungi, or other microbes. It can develop suddenly (acute) or persist over time (chronic), leading to pain, swelling, and potential bone damage if untreated. Common causes include:

Infections from Injuries: Open fractures, deep wounds, or surgical sites (e.g., after spine surgery or joint replacement) that allow germs to reach the bone.

Spread from Other Areas: Infections traveling through the bloodstream, often in people with diabetes, poor circulation, or weakened immune systems.

Chronic Conditions: Untreated acute infections or underlying issues like pressure ulcers that progress to bone.

Symptoms may include severe bone pain, swelling, redness, fever, fatigue, or reduced mobility. Early diagnosis is critical to prevent complications like bone loss or joint damage.

Our Approach to Osteomyelitis Treatment

Treating osteomyelitis requires a tailored plan to eradicate the infection and protect your bone and joint function. Our comprehensive approach includes:

Accurate Diagnosis

Advanced Imaging: Our on-site X-ray facility detects bone changes, such as erosion or abscesses, often seen in osteomyelitis. MRI or CT scans may provide detailed views of soft tissue and infection spread.

Lab Tests: Blood tests (e.g., C-reactive protein, white cell count) and bone biopsies identify the specific bacteria or fungi causing the infection, guiding antibiotic therapy.

Expert Evaluation: Our specialists assess your symptoms, medical history, and risk factors (e.g., diabetes or recent surgery) to confirm the diagnosis.

Non-Surgical Treatments

Antibiotics: High-dose intravenous (IV) antibiotics, typically for 4-8 weeks, target the infection. Oral antibiotics may follow for chronic cases. We coordinate with infectious disease specialists to ensure the right medication and duration.

Pain Management: Medications or therapies to ease discomfort during treatment.

Wound Care: For infections linked to open wounds or ulcers, we provide meticulous cleaning and dressings to prevent further spread.

Surgical Interventions

If antibiotics alone aren’t enough or the infection has caused significant bone damage, surgery may be necessary:

Debridement: Removal of infected bone, tissue, or abscesses to eliminate the infection source. Minimally invasive techniques, similar to arthroscopy, may be used for accessible areas.

Bone Stabilization: For fractures or weakened bones (e.g., in the spine or limbs), we use internal fixation (plates, screws) or external devices, often followed by plaster care to ensure stability.

Bone Grafting or Reconstruction: After removing damaged bone, we may use grafts or advanced techniques to restore structure, especially in chronic osteomyelitis.

Abscess Drainage: Small incisions or guided procedures to remove pus buildup, reducing pressure and pain.

Our surgeons, experienced in spine surgery and fracture care, use state-of-the-art tools like intraoperative imaging to maximize precision and minimize recovery time.