Osteomyelitis is the name given to bone infection, usually caused by bacteria, but can also be caused by fungi or viruses.This infection occurs from direct bone contamination, a deep cut, a fracture, or implantation of a prosthesis, but it can also reach the bone through the bloodstream, during an infectious disease, such as an abscess, endocarditis, or tuberculosis.
Anyone can develop this infection, which is generally not contagious from person to person, and the symptoms caused include localized pain in the affected area, swelling and redness, as well as fever, nausea and fatigue. In addition, osteomyelitis can be classified according to the time of evolution, the mechanism of infection and the response of the body:
- Osteomyelitis is difficult and time-consuming.
- Including the use of drugs to kill microorganisms.
- Such as antibiotics in large doses and for a long time.
- Surgery may also be indicated in more severe cases to remove dead tissue and facilitate recovery.
Some of the main factors associated with the development of osteomyelitis are:
Osteomyelitis can occur in anyone, including adults and children; however, people whose immunity is compromised, such as those with decompensated diabetes, chronic corticosteroids or chemotherapy, for example, as well as people with impaired blood flow, neurological diseases or recent surgery, are more likely to develop this type of infection, as these are situations that compromise healthy blood flow to bone and promote the proliferation of microorganisms.
The main symptoms of osteomyelitis, both acute and chronic, include
Diagnosis is made by clinical examination and follow-up tests and laboratory tests (blood formula, VS, PCR), as well as by x-ray, tomography, mri or bone scan, and a piece of infected material must be removed to identify the microorganism responsible for infection, making it easier to treat.
Your doctor will also make sure to differentiate osteomyelitis from other conditions that can cause similar symptoms, such as septic arthritis, Ewing tumor, cellulite, or a deep abscess, for example.Learn how to differentiate between the leading causes of bone pain.
In the presence of osteomyelitis, treatment should be performed as quickly as possible to allow healing, with powerful drugs, of rapid effectiveness, guided by the orthopedist.You need to stay in the hospital for antibiotics to start in the vein, tests to identify the microorganism, and even surgery.
If there is clinical improvement with the drugs, it is possible to continue treatment at home, using oral medications.
Amputation is only necessary as a last resort, when bone damage is very severe and has not improved with clinical or surgical treatment, presenting a high risk of life for the person.
No treatment at home should replace medications prescribed by your doctor to treat osteomyelitis, but a good way to speed recovery is to rest and maintain a balanced diet with good hydration.
Physical therapy is not a treatment that helps cure osteomyelitis, but it may be helpful during or after treatment to maintain quality of life and help with healing.