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Osteomyelitis Antibiotic Treatment

Osteomyelitis is an infection of the bone caused by a fungus or bacteria. It is a relatively rare condition, affecting about two of every 10,000 people, according to the Cleveland Clinic. However, if it is not treated properly it can cut off the blood supply to the bone, which will eventually kill it. In children, the long bones of the arms and legs are most commonly affected. In adults, it is most common in the feet, hips and vertebrae. Risk factors for developing osteomyelitis include conditions such as diabetes and poor blood supply and recent trauma to the affected bone.

  1. Antiobiotic Treatment

    • Antibiotics are one of the most commonly used treatments for osteomyelitis. Before beginning antibiotic treatment, your doctor will need to determine what type of bacteria or fungus is causing the infection. To determine this, a biopsy of bone tissue may be necessary. Unlike with bacterial and fungal infections, people with osteomyelitis will typically need to receive antibiotics intravenously. However, in some cases oral antibiotics may be sufficient for treatment. Most osteomyelitis patients will need a four- to six-week course of antibiotics. In cases of chronic osteomyelitis, antibiotic treatment may be needed for the rest of the patient's life.

    Surgery

    • Typically, antibiotics and surgery are used together to treat osteomyelitis patients, although some patients may not require surgery or may not be able to tolerate it. The type of surgery a patient will undergo is dependent on the bone affected. Most surgical procedures are performed in an attempt to drain the area surrounding the infected bone, restore blood flow to the bone, remove diseased bone tissue and/or remove foreign objects such as surgical plates and screws. Some patients may also need to have surgical plates and screws inserted into the affected bone in order to stabilize it.

    Prognosis

    • Osteomyelitis patients who have the infection properly diagnosed and promptly treated can expect to make a full recovery. Patients with chronic osteomyelitis are more likely to continue to experience complications as a result of the infection, even when surgery is performed to correct the problem. In rare cases, amputation may be necessary in cases of chronic osteomyelitis. Amputation is most common in people who have diabetes or poor blood circulation.

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