Treatment:

The objective of treatment is to eliminate the infection and prevent it from getting worse.

Antibiotics will be given to destroy the bacteria that are causing the infection.

Surgery may be needed to remove dead bone tissue if you have an infection that does not go away. The open space left by the removed bone tissue may be filled with bone graft or packing material that promotes the growth of new bone tissue. Antibiotics are continued for at least 6 weeks after surgery.

Infection of an orthopedic prosthesis may require surgical removal of the prosthesis and infected tissue surrounding the area. A new prosthesis may be implanted in the same operation or delayed until the infection has gone away.

Expectations (prognosis):

When treatment is received, the outcome for acute osteomyelitis is usually good.

The outlook is worse for those with long-term (chronic) osteomyelitis, even with surgery. Amputation may be needed, especially in those with diabetes or poor blood circulation.

The outlook is guarded in those who have an infection of a prosthesis.

Complications:

When the bone is infected, pus is produced within the bone, which may result in an abscess. The abscess steals the bone's blood supply. The lost blood supply can result in a complication called chronic osteomyelitis. This chronic infection can persist on and off for years.

Other complications include:

• Need for amputation
• Reduced limb or joint function
• Spread of infection

Calling your health care provider:

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