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Osteomyelitis    See images

Overview | Symptoms | Treatment | Prevention

Treatment

OVERVIEW:
The objective of treatment is to eliminate the infection and prevent the development of chronic infection.

MEDICATIONS:
Intravenous antibiotics are started initially, and may later be changed depending on culture results. Some new antibiotics can be very effective when given orally.

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 may require 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.

Prognosis

The outcome is usually good with adequate treatment of acute osteomyelitis, and worse for chronic osteomyelitis, even with surgery. Resistant or complicated chronic osteomyelitis may result in amputation.

Complications

• Chronic osteomyelitis
• Local spread of infection
• Reduced limb or joint function
• Amputation

Call Your Health Care Provider If:

Call your health care provider if you have symptoms of osteomyelitis, or if you have osteomyelitis and the symptoms persist despite treatment.

Ency. home > Disease > O > Osteomyelitis

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