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Osteomyelitis Treatments

Treatment

The doctor may immobilize the affected area with a splint. The doctor may also recommend avoiding any weight bearing on the area.

Antibiotics

This infection is treated with antibiotics. They are given by IV and sometimes by mouth.

  • Acute osteomyelitis is treated for at least 4-6 weeks
  • Chronic osteomyelitis may require antibiotics for a longer period of time

Surgery

For chronic infection, surgery may be required to:

  • Clean infected bone via scraping and irrigating the area
  • Remove any fragments of dead bone or tissue that may prolong the infection

In severe cases, amputation may be necessary.

Skin Graft

In some situations, the doctor may recommend a skin graft . The skin in the affected area is replaced with healthy skin taken from another part of the body.

If you are diagnosed with osteomyelitis, follow your doctor's instructions .

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Osteomyelitis Guide

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