Best Osteomyelitis Doctors in Mumbai

Osteomyelitis, a severe bone infection, is caused by various pathogens, including bacteria, fungi, and viruses. The condition is characterised by inflammation and damage to the bone tissues. Left untreated, it can lead to serious health complications, potentially resulting in significant mortality and morbidity.

Mumbai is home to exemplary healthcare facilities such as Apollo Hospitals, where some of the best doctors treating osteomyelitis provide comprehensive diagnosis and treatment for this condition.

Types/Stages of Osteomyelitis

Osteomyelitis is categorised into different stages and types based on the duration of infection and its severity:

• Acute Osteomyelitis: This type is characterized by a sudden onset of symptoms and rapid progression. It is commonly caused by bacterial infections.

• Chronic Osteomyelitis: This form progresses slowly and is often associated with fungal or viral infections.

• Recurrent Osteomyelitis: Marked by repeated infection episodes, this type often arises from bacterial or fungal pathogens.

• Traumatic Osteomyelitis: This type occurs due to traumatic injuries, typically involving necrotic tissue and sequestrum formation.

Symptoms of Osteomyelitis

The symptoms of osteomyelitis can vary, but common ones include:

• Persistent and severe pain in the affected bone

• Swelling and redness around the infected area

• Fever accompanied by chills and sweating

• Enlarged lymph nodes in the neck, armpits or groin

• Decreased appetite and unintended weight loss

• Fatigue or feeling generally weak

• Limited range of motion in nearby joints

Tests to Diagnose Osteomyelitis

Doctors treating osteomyelitis carry out several tests to diagnose the condition:

• Blood tests: These include blood cultures to identify the specific organism causing the infection.

• Inflammatory Markers: This involves identifying C-reactive protein and erythrocyte sedimentation rate, which are elevated in the presence of inflammation.

• Bone scan: A small amount of radioactive material is injected into a vein to accumulate in areas of high bone activity, identifying infection or inflammation not visible on X-rays or CT scans.

• Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI): MRI provides detailed images of bones, offering high sensitivity for detecting early signs of osteomyelitis, such as bone marrow oedema and soft tissue involvement.

• Biopsy: A small piece of tissue from the affected bone is removed and examined in the laboratory for signs of osteomyelitis.

Treatment or Surgery Options for Osteomyelitis at Apollo Hospitals, Mumbai

At Apollo Hospitals in Mumbai, various treatment options are offered by the best doctors specialising in osteomyelitis management and care:

• Antibiotics: Tailored to target specific bacterial infections, antibiotics are crucial for treating osteomyelitis effectively.

• Surgical debridement: This procedure removes infected and dead tissue from the affected bone, essential for promoting healing and preventing further infection.

• Bone grafting: This involves transplanting healthy bone tissue to restore structural integrity and aid in the recovery of affected bones.

• Joint replacement: Utilised when severe damage compromises a joint beyond repair, replacing it with an artificial joint restores function and alleviates pain.

• Amputation: In severe cases where the bone damage is extensive, the removal of affected limbs might be necessary.

Each patient's experience is unique, but through precise diagnosis, timely intervention, and regular follow-up, Apollo Hospitals' team of leading doctors specialising in osteomyelitis treatment in Mumbai can guide patients towards a healthier future.