bone, joint, and muscle disorders
Osteomyelitis
Treatment of Osteomyelitis
Antibiotics or antifungal drugs Sometimes surgery For abscesses, usually drainage For children and adults who have recently developed bone infections through the bloodstream, antibiotics are the most effective treatment. If the bacteria causing the infection cannot be identified, then antibiotics that are effective againstStaphylococcus aureusand many types of bacteria (broad-spectrum antibiotics) are used. Depending on the severity of the infection, antibiotics may be given by vein (intravenously) for about 4 to 8 weeks. Then, antibiotics may be continued by mouth for a longer period of time depending on how the person responds to them. Some people have chronic osteomyelitis and need months of antibiotic treatment. If a fungal infection is identified or suspected, antifungal drugs are required for several months. If the infection is detected at an early stage, surgery is usually not necessary. For adults who have bacterial osteomyelitis of the vertebrae, the usual treatment is antibiotics for 4 to 8 weeks. Sometimes bed rest is needed, and the person may need to wear a brace. Surgery may be needed to drain abscesses or to stabilize affected vertebrae (to prevent the vertebrae from collapsing and thereby damaging nearby nerves, the spinal cord, or blood vessels). When osteomyelitis results from a nearby soft-tissue infection, treatment is more complex. Usually, all the dead tissue and bone are removed surgically, and the resulting empty space is packed with healthy skin or other tissue. Then the infection is treated with antibiotics. Broad-spectrum antibiotics may be required for more than 3 weeks after surgery. When an abscess is present, it usually needs to be drained surgically. Surgery may also be needed for people with persistent fever and weight loss. 