Best Osteomyelitis Doctors in Indore

Osteomyelitis is a severe infection that primarily affects the bones. It often develops when a bacterial or fungal infection in the body, such as a skin wound or post-operative infection, spreads to the bone through the bloodstream. In some instances, the bone itself becomes directly infected after an injury or surgical procedure. If left untreated, it could result in serious complications like permanent bone damage, tissue death, and blood poisoning. Certain risk factors such as diabetes, compromised immune system, intravenous drug use, and recent surgery or injury, elevate the chances of developing osteomyelitis.

Indore houses several doctors specialising in osteomyelitis treatment who are adept at handling these cases effectively. Residents can rest assured that Apollo Hospitals in Indore has a team of the best doctors who are accomplished in diagnosing and treating osteomyelitis.

Types/Stages of Osteomyelitis

Osteomyelitis presents in various forms, each differing in onset and underlying cause. The types include:

• Acute Osteomyelitis: This is characterised by the sudden onset of symptoms and is usually caused by bacteria spreading through the bloodstream.

• Subacute Osteomyelitis: This is identified by a gradual onset of symptoms often caused by bacteria spreading via the bloodstream.

• Chronic Osteomyelitis: This type develops slowly and can occur after an acute episode if the initial treatment is not fully effective. It may also develop without a preceding acute episode.

• Vertebral Osteomyelitis: Specifically affecting the vertebrae, this type can lead to significant back pain.

• Contiguous Osteomyelitis: This variant occurs when bacteria enter the bone through direct trauma, such as an open wound or surgical procedure.

Symptoms of Osteomyelitis

The physical manifestation of osteomyelitis can include:

• Fever

• Swelling, warmth, and redness over the affected area

• Pain and tenderness in the affected area

• Fatigue and a general feeling of being unwell

• Difficulty moving joints near the affected area

• Drainage of pus through the skin

• Stiffness in the affected limb or joint

Tests to Diagnose Osteomyelitis

The doctors adept at treating osteomyelitis at Apollo Hospitals, diagnose the condition using a combination of physical examinations, imaging tests, and laboratory tests. These include:

• Physical examination: Doctors assess the affected area for swelling, warmth, redness, and tenderness, while also evaluating the range of motion in nearby joints.

• Imaging tests: X-rays, CT scans, MRI scans, and bone scans provide detailed images of bones and soft tissues and identify areas of high bone activity, indicating infection or inflammation.

• Laboratory tests: This includes blood tests to identify bacteria or fungi and measure inflammatory markers, bone biopsies to examine bone tissue for infection, and culture and sensitivity tests to identify the specific microorganism and determine effective antibiotics.

Treatment or Surgery Options for Osteomyelitis at Apollo Hospitals, Indore

Apollo Hospitals in Indore, the best doctors specialising in osteomyelitis treatment, offers a comprehensive treatment approach for patients. Some of the methods include:

• Surgery: This involves procedures such as debridement to remove infected tissue, bone reconstruction to repair damaged bone, and soft tissue reconstruction to restore affected areas.

• Antibiotics: Administered either intravenously or orally, antibiotics are tailored to the specific bacteria causing the infection and adjusted based on the severity and response to treatment.

• Other therapies: This includes vacuum-assisted closure therapy, which uses negative pressure to remove fluid and promote wound healing, and hyperbaric oxygen therapy, which involves breathing pure oxygen in a pressurised chamber to enhance tissue oxygenation and aid healing.