Bone Infection
Overview
Bone infection (osteomyelitis) is a common complication of surgeries and injuries, including open fractures and accidents. This condition actually eats away bones or causes bone decay or bone necrosis (death). It can become a chronic problem, severely affecting a patient’s life. Early diagnosis and treatment is crucial, as they may be the only methods to completely destroy the infection and prevent long-term consequences.
A Destination for Bone Infection Treatment
Fortunately, patients dealing with osteomyelitis have access to qualified musculoskeletal experts, right in their own backyard! The Florida Hospital Fracture Care Center (FCC), under the leadership of J. Dean Cole, MD, offers the experience and knowledge essential to diagnosing and eliminating bone infection.
FCC surgeons have long treated osteomyelitis patients with excellent outcomes. This has enabled the FCC to emerge as a national destination for patients seeking bone infection treatment. Due to both this body of experience and the high record of success, Dr. Cole has created a unique approach to the treatment and management of this condition. In fact, many physicians refer their osteomyelitis patients to Dr. Cole and the FCC team.
Dr. Cole firmly believes in the “team approach” for bone infection treatment. You can rest assured that the surgical and medical staff will target the infection, while sparing patients the dangers of highly toxic substances.
Whether you’ve developed osteomyelitis due to surgery, an injury complication, or for no clear reason at all, our team is ready and available to treat the infection. And, they’ll prevent it from developing into a chronic health problem. We encourage you to contact the Fracture Care Center immediately to schedule an appointment, or just to learn more about the available osteomyelitis treatment options. If you are interested in learning more, please contact us.
Treatments
Infections of the bones (or “osteomyelitis”) can affect anyone, regardless of background or health status. Harmful microorganisms can strike bones through the bloodstream, or as the result of existing infectious conditions. Trauma or injuries, such as open fractures, can also lead to infections. And while any bone is susceptible, certain regions are especially at risk. These include: the tibia, femur, vertebrae, hummers, and the maxilla and mandible (upper and lower jaw, respectively).
Left untreated, these infections can target all bone components. Over time, deformities and bone “sclerosis” (stiffening, hardening) can occur. There is also the likelihood of the infections spreading to other bones’ cells. As such, it’s crucial to diagnose early and treat bone infection cases, as this may offer the most effective method to completely destroy these infections and prevent chronic, long-term consequences.
It’s vital that patients consult only those orthopaedic professionals with a unique breadth of experience. Noted orthopaedic traumatologist J. Dean Cole, MD, the Medical Director of the Florida Hospital Orthopaedic Institute Fracture Care Center (FCC), is a leading expert in the care and treatment of bone infection. Over the years, Dr. Cole and his team of orthopedic specialists in Orlando have accumulated an impressive body of experience in treating bone infections.
Due to the high surgical success rate, many physicians refer their patients with bone infections to the Fracture Care Center. This high number of cases has contributed to improved techniques and success rates.
A Dramatic Approach to Treat Bone Infection
Dr. Cole has developed a unique and effective approach to manage and treat osteomyelitis. First, X-rays and bone cultures for a proper osteomyelitis diagnosis. When determined, our surgeons utilize an approach involving the removal of patients’ dead, infected bones. Upon removing the infected bones, patients can retain their functionality.
During surgery, the surgeons utilize different methods to deliver local high concentrations of antibiotics to the problematic bone, without high systemic toxicity. As an added level of precaution, our team works closely with an infectious disease specialist. Not only does this partnership address the systemic antibiotics employed, but it better determines the impact and treatment of the infection in the patient's entire health status.
Whether due to existing conditions or injuries, bone infections can target anyone. But early diagnoses and care may be the best options to treat osteomyelitis and other infections. As such, there is no better time to contact the Florida Hospital Fracture Care Center (FCC). Please submit an online request for an appointment.