Best Osteomyelitis Doctors in Hyderabad

Osteomyelitis is a serious infection that predominantly affects the bone. The infection typically originates from a wound or surgical site elsewhere in the body and spreads to the bone via the bloodstream. Direct infection of the bone can also occur following a bone fracture or surgery. It is commonly caused by bacteria, particularly Staphylococcus aureus, or fungi that spread to the bone. Certain risk factors such as diabetes, a weakened immune system, intravenous drug use, and recent surgery or injury increase the likelihood of developing osteomyelitis. If left untreated, this condition can lead to serious complications such as permanent bone damage, tissue death, and sepsis (blood poisoning).

The Hyderabad city has witnessed a rise in osteomyelitis cases. However, the skilled doctors for osteomyelitis in the city significantly contribute to managing this condition effectively. Apollo Hospitals in Hyderabad led by some of the best doctors for osteomyelitis promises to providethe finest care to patients grappling with this disease.

Types/Stages of Osteomyelitis

Osteomyelitis can be classified into specific types based on its duration and cause. These include:

• Acute Osteomyelitis: Characterised by a sudden onset of symptoms such as severe pain, fever, and swelling and typically caused by bacteria spreading through the bloodstream.

• Subacute Osteomyelitis: Characterised by the gradual onset of symptoms such as mild pain and swelling over several weeks and often caused by bacteria spreading through the bloodstream.

• Chronic Osteomyelitis: This slowly progressing form can surface after an acute episode if initial treatment is not entirely effective, leading to persistent inflammation, bone destruction, and the formation of necrotic bone tissue.

• Vertebral Osteomyelitis: This type specifically affects the spine, causing lower back pain, fever, and potentially neurological symptoms if the spinal cord is compressed.

• Hematogenous Osteomyelitis: This occurs when an infection spreads to the bone through the bloodstream, often originating from an infection elsewhere in the body, and commonly affects long bones in children and the vertebrae in adults.

Symptoms of Osteomyelitis

The symptoms of osteomyelitis can vary greatly based on its type and include:

• Fever

• Swelling and redness over the affected area

• Pain and tenderness in the affected region

• Fatigue and a general feeling of being unwell

• Difficulty moving joints near the affected area

• Drainage of pus through the skin

Tests to Diagnose Osteomyelitis

The doctors for osteomyelitis treatment diagnose osteomyelitis using the following tests:

• Physical Examination: This involves looking for signs of infection such as open wounds, tenderness, swelling, redness, warmth over the affected area, and limited range of motion.

• Imaging Tests: These include radiographs (X-rays), CT scans, MRI scans and bone scintigraphy.

• Laboratory Tests: These involve blood cultures, bone biopsies with tissue culture and histopathologic examination.

• Microbiological Tests: This involves extracting synovial fluid from nearby joints for culture and analysis to determine if the infection has spread to or from the joint.

Treatment or Surgery Options for Osteomyelitis at Apollo Hospitals, Hyderabad

Apollo Hospitals in Hyderabad offers multiple treatment options for osteomyelitis under the care of some of the best doctors for osteomyelitis treatment. These options include:

• Debridement: This surgical intervention involves removing dead bone and tissue to prevent further infection.

• Bone Reconstruction: This surgical procedure is performed to repair or replace damaged bone using techniques such as bone grafting, metal plates, or screws.

• Antibiotics: Parenteral antibiotics are administered intravenously typically lasting 4-6 weeks followed by oral antibiotics to ensure complete eradication of the infection and prevent recurrence.

• Vacuum-assisted Closure: This is used to improve wound healing and reduce the risk of further infection.