Best Osteomyelitis Doctors in Kolkata

Osteomyelitis is a severe bone infection typically caused by bacteria or fungi spreading to a bone, often via the bloodstream. Staphylococcus aureus, commonly known as staph, is the most common cause of osteomyelitis, although other bacteria and fungi can also cause this condition. Osteomyelitis usually develops when an infection elsewhere in the body spreads to the bone through the bloodstream. It can also result from a direct infection of the bone, such as after a bone fracture or surgery. Certain factors such as diabetes, a weakened immune system, intravenous drug use, and recent surgery or injury increase the risk of developing osteomyelitis. If not promptly treated, osteomyelitis can lead to severe complications like permanent bone damage, tissue death, and blood poisoning.

The residents of Kolkata face several health challenges, including osteomyelitis. Fortunately, the city houses the best doctors for osteomyelitis who provide comprehensive care for this serious condition. Top-notch medical institutions like Apollo Hospitals in Kolkata have accomplished doctors for osteomyelitis treatment who are skilled in diagnosing and treating this severe condition.

Types/Stages of Osteomyelitis

Osteomyelitis is classified into several types based on the duration and cause of the infection. These include:

• Acute Osteomyelitis: This type has a sudden onset of symptoms and often results from the spread of bacteria through the bloodstream.

• Subacute Osteomyelitis: This type features a gradual onset of symptoms and is frequently caused by the spread of bacteria through the bloodstream.

• Chronic Osteomyelitis: This slow-progressing form can follow an acute episode if the initial treatment is not completely effective.

• Vertebral Osteomyelitis: This type specifically affects the spine and can lead to low back pain.

• Contiguous Osteomyelitis: This variant occurs when bacteria infiltrate the bone from a direct source such as trauma or an open wound.

• Hematogenous Osteomyelitis: This type results from an infection spreading to the bone via the bloodstream, often from an infection elsewhere in the body, such as a urinary tract infection or pneumonia.

Symptoms of Osteomyelitis

Osteomyelitis presents with several key symptoms, such as:

• Fever

• Swelling, warmth, and redness in the affected area

• Pain and tenderness in the affected bone

• General malaise and fatigue

• Nausea

• Difficulty moving joints near the affected area

Tests to Diagnose Osteomyelitis

At Apollo Hospitals, Kolkata, the doctors for osteomyelitis use a variety of diagnostic tools to identify osteomyelitis:

• Physical Examination: A doctor looks for signs of infection such as open wounds, tenderness, swelling, and redness.

• Imaging Tests: Radiographs, CT scans, and MRI scans can show the anatomic details of the bones.

• Bone Scintigraphy: This bone scan can be useful in diagnosing osteomyelitis. It accumulates in areas of increased blood flow and reactive bone formation.

• Laboratory Tests: Blood cultures are crucial when osteomyelitis is suspected. The gold standard for diagnosis is a bone biopsy, with histopathologic examination and tissue culture.

Treatment or Surgery Options for Osteomyelitis at Apollo Hospitals, Kolkata

At Apollo Hospitals in Kolkata, the Best doctors for Osteomyelitis Treatment offer the following comprehensive treatments for osteomyelitis:

• Surgery: Osteomyelitis surgeons recommend surgical interventions like debridement (removal of dead tissue and bone), bone reconstruction, and soft tissue reconstruction.

• Antibiotics: Patients may receive parenteral antibiotics administered intravenously initially, followed by oral antibiotics.

• Other Therapies: Options include vacuum-assisted closure to improve wound healing and reduce infection risk and hyperbaric oxygen therapy to promote healing.