Osteomyelitis
Treatment:
OVERVIEW:
The objective of treatment is to eliminate the infection and prevent the development of chronic infection.
MEDICATIONS:
High-dose intravenous antibiotics are started immediately, and may later be changed depending on culture results.
SURGERY:
In chronic infection, surgical removal of dead bone tissue is indicated. The open space left by the removed bone tissue may be filled with bone graft, or by packing material to promote the growth of new bone tissue. Antibiotic therapy is continued for at least 3 weeks after surgery.
Infection of an orthopedic prosthesis requires surgical removal with debridement of the infected tissue surrounding the area. A new prosthesis may be implanted in the same operation, or delayed until the infection has resolved, depending on its severity.
Expectations (prognosis):
The outcome is usually good with adequate treatment of acute osteomyelitis, and worse for chronic osteomyelitis, even with surgery. Resistant chronic osteomyelitis may result in amputation.
Complications:
Calling your health care provider:
Call your health care provider if you have symptoms of osteomyelitis.
Call your health care provider if you have osteomyelitis and the symptoms persist despite treatment.
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