Treatment for Osteomyelitis

Treatment for Osteomyelitis

Specific treatment for osteomyelitis will be determined by your physician based on:

• Your age, overall health, and medical history
• Extent of the condition
• Your tolerance for specific medications, procedures, and therapies
• Expectation for the course of the condition
• Your opinion or preference

The goal for treatment of osteomyelitis is to cure the infection and minimize any long-term complications.

Osteomyelitis treatment may include:

• Medications: Administration of intravenous (IV) antibiotics, which may require hospitalization or may be given on an outpatient schedule, may be necessary. Intravenous or oral antibiotic treatment for osteomyelitis may be very extensive, lasting for many weeks.
• Monitoring of successive X-rays and blood tests
• Pain management
• Bed rest or restricted movement of the affected area
• Surgery
• In some cases, surgical intervention may be necessary to drain infectious fluid, or to remove damaged tissue and bone.

Long-term considerations for osteomyelitis

Osteomyelitis requires long-term care to prevent further complications, including care to prevent the following:

• Fractures of the affected bone
• Stunted growth in children (if the infection has involved the growth plate)
• Gangrene infection in the affected area