How serious is a bone infection?

An infection in your bone can impede blood circulation within the bone, leading to bone death. Areas where bone has died need to be surgically removed for antibiotics to be effective. Septic arthritis. Sometimes, infection within bones can spread into a nearby joint.

Can a bone infection be cured?

Antibiotics may be all that’s necessary to cure your bone infection. Your doctor may administer the antibiotics intravenously, or directly into your veins, if the infection is severe. You may need to take the antibiotics for up to six weeks. Sometimes bone infections require surgery.

What causes bone infections?

Bone infection is most often caused by bacteria. But it can also be caused by fungi or other germs. When a person has osteomyelitis: Bacteria or other germs may spread to a bone from infected skin, muscles, or tendons next to the bone.

How long do bone infection take to heal?

The infection may clear up faster if you start treatment within three to five days of first noticing symptoms. Treatments include: Antibiotics: Antibiotics kill infection-causing bacteria. You may need antibiotics for four to eight weeks, starting with intravenous (IV) antibiotics in the hospital for a week or two.

How is a bone infection diagnosed?

A bone biopsy can reveal what type of germ has infected your bone. Knowing the type of germ allows your doctor to choose an antibiotic that works particularly well for that type of infection. An open biopsy requires anesthesia and surgery to access the bone.

How do they test for bone infection?

Can bone infection be seen on xray?

A blood test or imaging test such as an x-ray can tell if you have a bone infection. Treatment includes antibiotics and often surgery.

How do doctors get rid of bone infection?

The most common treatments for osteomyelitis are surgery to remove portions of bone that are infected or dead, followed by intravenous antibiotics given in the hospital.