Osteomyelitis Treatment in Delhi

What is Osteomyelitis?

Osteomyelitis is a bone infection that develops when any bacterial or fungal infection starts spreading to the bones. It may lead to painful swelling in the bone marrow and may affect any of the bones. Osteomyelitis may occur in kids and adults. While kids have it most commonly in their leg or arm bones, adults develop this condition in their vertebrae or hips. If not treated on time, this condition may cause permanent bone loss, which may eventually lead to tissue death.

Osteomyelitis has three types:

• Acute Osteomyelitis: It refers to a bone infection occurring after an infection spreads to the bone. It is the most common type of osteomyelitis.
• Vertebral Osteomyelitis: This type of osteomyelitis infects the vertebrae in the spine.
• Chronic Osteomyelitis: Under this type of osteomyelitis, the bone infection is not completely cured even after the treatment, and it lingers or may recur months or years after the treatment.

Causes

• Osteomyelitis is caused by the Staphylococcus bacteria. These bacteria are germs living on the skin or in the nose of people. It may as well travel through the blood to a weak spot on the bone.
• Several injuries, including puncture wounds, may carry germs deep inside the body. If this injury gets infected, the germs may spread into nearby bone, resulting in this condition.
• Germs may enter the body and travel to the bones during surgeries to replace joints or fix broken bones.

Symptoms

• Bone pain
• Fever and chills
• A general feeling of being sick or unwell
• Sweating
• Nausea and vomiting
• Skin discoloration
• A feeling of warmth or heat on your skin
• Inflammation or swelling
• Pus or discharge on the site of the infection or injury.

Risk Factors

According to doctors, healthy bones always resist infection. However, these bones may sometimes weaken, resulting in a slowing down of their resistance, especially when they undergo trauma, wounds, or surgery, putting you at a higher risk of developing osteomyelitis.

• People with diabetes or any autoimmune disease are at a higher risk of developing osteomyelitis.
• Individuals with peripheral artery disease are at an increased risk of developing this condition.
• The risk of osteomyelitis is higher in people with sickle cell disease.
• People who undergo dialysis or other procedures that use medical tubing may be at risk of developing this condition.
• Individuals who cannot feel pressure or stay in one position for too long may get sores on their skin, putting them at a higher risk of this condition.
• People who consume illicit drugs by needle are more likely to develop this condition.

Diagnosis

Osteomyelitis is diagnosed through a physical examination and other tests. Once you visit the doctor, they inquire about the symptoms and when you first noticed them. They also take into account your medical history, including any surgery, injury, or new treatment. The following tests are used to confirm the diagnosis of this condition:

• Blood tests
• X-ray
• Magnetic resonance imaging or MRI
• Computed tomography or CT scan
• Ultrasound
• Bone scan
• Bone marrow biopsy.

How is Osteomyelitis treated?

Osteomyelitis treatment in Delhi begins with killing the infection and preventing bone damage. Once the doctor has confirmed the diagnosis, they will prescribe the following as part of bone infection treatment in Delhi.

• Antibiotics: Antibiotics help cure a bacterial infection. The doctor may put you on intravenous (IV) antibiotics for a few weeks before taking oral pills for several weeks afterward.
• Antifungals: Antifungals help treat fungal infections. The doctor may prescribe oral antifungal medications for several months.
• Over-the-counter Pain Relievers: Osteomyelitis may lead to severe pain or discomfort, and to counter that, the doctor may prescribe OTC NSAIDs or acetaminophen. These drugs help relieve pain and reduce inflammation.
• Needle Aspiration: The doctor may also use a needle to drain pus or fluid from any abscesses that develop to stop the condition from spreading.
• Surgery: If the above-listed treatment options do not come to your rescue, the doctor may refer you to an orthopaedic surgeon specialising in performing surgery to treat osteomyelitis. Depending on the severity of your condition, the surgeon may perform one of the following surgeries:
  • Bone Surgery: During this procedure, the surgeon will surgically remove contaminated tissue and bone to prevent the infection from spreading.
  • Spine Surgery: This procedure becomes necessary for patients with vertebral osteomyelitis. The purpose of this surgery is to stop the vertebrae from collapsing and injuring the spinal cord, nerves, and other parts of the neurological system.

Cost of Osteomyelitis treatment in Delhi

The cost of osteomyelitis in Delhi begins from 2,000 INR and may reach up to 5,000 INR in general. This cost covers consultation and medication. If the doctor recommends surgery, the cost of osteomyelitis may go up, starting with 1,50,000 INR and extending up to 4,50,000 INR, respectively. The cost of surgery is further characterized by the following factors:

• Type of surgery, with spinal surgery costing more than regular surgery to remove the infection.
• Experience of the surgeon.
• The type of the hospital, with a private facility charging more than a government hospital.
• Costs of the implant, if any.
• Postoperative care.

Recovery after treatment

Recovery after osteomyelitis treatment in Delhi doesn't happen overnight. Hence, you are expected to be patient and follow all the instructions imparted by the doctor to recover quickly. The specialist may put you on antibiotics and antifungal medications for a few months. You may feel better as medications start killing the infection and slowing its spread. Continue medication until they suggest otherwise.

Many patients with this condition recover without any long-term complications. However, it is important to visit the doctor for follow-up. Get the infection diagnosed and treat it right away. Follow-up care will prevent the condition from recurring.

Why Choose Dr. Ashwani Maichand for Osteomyelitis Treatment?

Dr. Ashwnai Maichand is popular for his comprehensive and patient-centric approach in managing all the conditions related to bones, including osteomyelitis. Dr. Maichand is looked upon as a trusted name in providing bone infection treatment in Delhi. With three decades of experience in orthopaedic and reconstructive procedures, Dr. Maichand combines advanced diagnostic techniques with evidence-based treatment protocols, including targeted antibiotics and surgical intervention.

Dr. Maichand's focus on bone function, preventing recurrence, and bone preservation ensures faster recovery, setting him apart from the rest. Each patient is given a personalized treatment plan for long-term results.

Frequently Asked Questions