Acute Osteomyelitis Treatment

Osteomyelitis is a bone infection normally caused by bacteria but sometimes by fungus. The infection can occur in any bone but typically affects the arms, legs, spine and pelvis. The bacteria usually reach the bone as a result of an injury or wound. In acute form, symptoms last for only a few months and include pain, swelling and fever. It is a serious condition but can be treated successfully.

Treatment Goals

• Treatment aims to rid the body of the infection and remove any damaged bone if necessary. In acute osteomyelitis, surgery is not always necessary. Your doctor will evaluate your condition to determine an appropriate course of action.

Surgical Procedures

• If you need surgery, you might receive one or more of the following procedures. The surgeon will remove any pus or fluid that has built up near the infected area. Debridement involves taking away any diseased bone and a small margin of healthy bone around it; this ensures all affected bone has been removed. Any tissue that appears to be infected will be removed as well. The debridement will leave empty space that needs to be filled with new bone or tissue to restore blood flow. The surgeon will perform a graft procedure that will repair affected blood vessels and generate new tissue.

  Metal plates, rods or screws might be required to support the bone and new graft. This might occur during your original surgery or at a later date.

Medication

• Your doctor will determine the type of organism causing your infection. If it is bacteria, you will receive an antibiotic known to work against that particular type. If it is a fungus, you will receive an antifungal medication. The course of treatment is usually four to six weeks. Take your medication exactly as prescribed.

Complementary Therapy

• The University of Maryland suggests certain supplements can help the body fight off the infection, strengthen immunity and aid in recovery in conjunction with standard medication. Do not attempt to treat this infection with natural therapies alone. Do not use natural supplementation without talking to your doctor.

  Vitamin C (500 mg twice a day), zinc (30 mg daily), and vitamin E (800 IU daily) all strengthen immunity and promote overall healing. Using a probiotic supplement helps replenish your body's supply of friendly bacteria destroyed by antibiotics; this helps prevent diarrhea and yeast infections. Use as directed on the product label.

  The homeopathic remedy Arnica is used after trauma or injury to promote healing; take as directed on the label.

  The university also recommends acupuncture to encourage stronger immune function, which can reduce pain, inflammation and swelling.

  Avoid massage; it can spread the infection.

Self-Care

• If you smoke, quit. It impedes the healing process and weakens your body's ability to destroy the infection. Eat lots of fresh fruits and vegetables. They contain many beneficial substances that promote healing. Your doctor might recommend bed rest or using a splint to immobilize the affected area after surgery; heed these instructions.