About Osteomyelitis
Key Highlights
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Eradicates deep-seated bone infection that antibiotics alone cannot cure.Prevents the spread of infection to surrounding tissues and the bloodstream (sepsis).Removes dead bone (sequestrum) that hinders healing and acts as a reservoir for bacteria.Helps restore blood flow to the affected bone area to promote natural healing.Can reconstruct bone defects using grafts or specialized materials to maintain limb structure and function.Alleviates chronic pain, swelling, and drainage associated with the infection./ul
Who is this surgery for?
- Acute or chronic osteomyelitis not responding to intravenous antibiotic therapy.
- Presence of a bone abscess (Brodie's abscess) or pus collection within the bone.
- Formation of a sequestrum (dead bone fragment) or involucrum (new bone growth).
- Infected non-union of a fracture where the bone fails to heal due to infection.
- Osteomyelitis secondary to an open fracture or a surgical site infection.
- Spread of infection from a contiguous source, such as a diabetic foot ulcer or a prosthetic joint infection.
- Presence of a sinus tract (draining pathway from the bone to the skin).
How to prepare
- Comprehensive diagnostic workup including blood tests (CBC, ESR, CRP), imaging (X-ray, MRI, bone scan), and bone biopsy for culture and sensitivity.
- Initiation of targeted intravenous antibiotics based on culture results, often for several days pre-operatively.
- Management of underlying conditions like diabetes or vascular disease to optimize healing.
- Pre-operative anesthesia evaluation and clearance.
- Discontinuation of certain medications (e.g., blood thinners) as advised by the surgeon.
- Fasting for 8-12 hours before the scheduled surgery.
Risks & possible complications
- Infection recurrence or persistence requiring further surgery.
- Damage to nearby nerves, blood vessels, or growth plates (in children).
- Excessive bleeding or formation of a hematoma.
- Adverse reactions to anesthesia or antibiotics.
- Bone fracture due to weakening from the infection or surgical debridement.
- Formation of a chronic sinus tract or wound healing problems.
- Joint stiffness, chronic pain, or functional limb impairment.
- Need for amputation in severe, uncontrollable cases.
Recovery & hospital stay
- Hospital stay is required for continued IV antibiotics, wound care, and pain management.
- The surgical wound is monitored for signs of infection and may be left open to heal from the inside out or closed over a drain.
- Weight-bearing on the affected limb is restricted initially; crutches or a walker are often needed.
- A prolonged course of oral or intravenous antibiotics, typically lasting 4-6 weeks or more, is essential post-operatively.
- Physical therapy is crucial to restore range of motion, strength, and function once healing permits.
- Regular follow-up visits with X-rays and blood tests are necessary to monitor for infection clearance and bone healing.
- Complete healing and return to full activity can take several months, depending on the extent of the infection and reconstruction.
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Typical hospital stay: 5-14 days
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Expected recovery time: 3-6 months for full functional recovery
Frequently Asked Questions
If you are considering osteomyelitis in India, these questions and answers can help you make a confident, informed decision.
Popular choices for osteomyelitis in India include Miot Hospital Chennai, Kamineni Hospital LB Nagar, Kamineni Hospital, King Koti, Kamineni Hospital, Tadigadapa, Manipal Hospital Old Airport Road, known for experienced specialists and advanced surgical infrastructure.
Look at the doctor’s years of experience, hospital association, patient reviews, and how often they perform osteomyelitis. MediFyr helps you compare orthopedists and book consultations online.
The overall cost depends on hospital category, surgeon’s experience, room type, implant or device used (if any), length of stay, tests, and post-operative care. Our team can help you get cost estimates from multiple hospitals before you decide.
Procedure cost in other countries
Here is an overview of how the estimated cost, hospital stay, and recovery time for osteomyelitis compare across other countries where we have data.
Top hospitals for Osteomyelitis in India
These partner hospitals in India have dedicated orthopedics teams and experience managing patients undergoing osteomyelitis.
Rahul Malhotra, a 42-year-old construction foreman,...
Rahul Malhotra, a 42-year-old construction foreman, had always been the strong, reliable provider for his family. Six months ago, he suffered a deep puncture wound to his right shin from a rusty nail on a worksite. Despite initial cleaning and antibiotics, the area never fully healed. Over time, it became swollen, warm, and intensely painful, with intermittent fevers that left him exhausted and unable to work. An MRI confirmed chronic osteomyelitis in his tibia. His orthopedic surgeon, Dr. Kapoor, explained that the infection had burrowed into the bone and recommended a surgical debridement to remove all the dead, infected bone tissue, followed by a course of strong IV antibiotics. The surgery was intense, and Rahul spent a week in the hospital on IV antibiotics, feeling vulnerable and anxious about his family's finances. The recovery was slow; he needed crutches for two months and home nursing for his IV line. However, the relentless pain and fever finally subsided. After six months of diligent recovery and physical therapy, he regained strength and was cleared for light duty. Emotionally, he journeyed from frustration and fear of losing his livelihood to profound gratitude. The experience gave him a new appreciation for his health and the support of his family, making him more patient and resilient.
Orthopedists for Osteomyelitis
Explore experienced orthopedists who regularly perform osteomyelitis and provide pre- and post-operative care in India.
- 48 Years Experience
- Orthopedist
Miot Hospital Chennai, Chennai
- 25 Years Experience
- Orthopedist
Miot Hospital Chennai, Chennai
- 15 Years Experience
- Orthopedist
Miot Hospital Chennai, Chennai
- 11 Years Experience
- Orthopedist
Miot Hospital Chennai, Chennai
- 14 Years Experience
- Orthopedist
Miot Hospital Chennai, Chennai
- 9 Years Experience
- Orthopedist
Miot Hospital Chennai, Chennai
- 15 Years Experience
- Orthopedist
Miot Hospital Chennai, Chennai
- 20 Years Experience
- Orthopedist
Manipal Hospital Yeshwanthpur, Bangalore
- 19 Years Experience
- Orthopedist
Manipal Hospital Yeshwanthpur, Bangalore
- 18 Years Experience
- Orthopedist
Manipal Hospital Yeshwanthpur, Bangalore
- 15 Years Experience
- Orthopedist
Manipal Hospital Yeshwanthpur, Bangalore
- 9 Years Experience
- Orthopedist
Manipal Hospital Yeshwanthpur, Bangalore
- 30 Years Experience
- Orthopedist
Manipal Hospital Sarjapur Road, Bangalore
- 28 Years Experience
- Orthopedist
Manipal Hospital Sarjapur Road, Bangalore
- 26 Years Experience
- Orthopedist
Manipal Hospital Sarjapur Road, Bangalore
- 21 Years Experience
- Orthopedist
Manipal Hospital Sarjapur Road, Bangalore
- 21 Years Experience
- Orthopedist
Manipal Hospital Sarjapur Road, Bangalore
- 14 Years Experience
- Orthopedist
Manipal Hospital Sarjapur Road, Bangalore
- 13 Years Experience
- Orthopedist
Manipal Hospital Sarjapur Road, Bangalore
- 11 Years Experience
- Orthopedist
Manipal Hospital Sarjapur Road, Bangalore