The Complex and Multidisciplinary Management of Chronic Osteomyelitis: An Exhaustive Review of Surgical, Antimicrobial, and Rehabilitation Strategies for Optimal Patient Outcomes
Osteomyelitis is a persistent and challenging infection of the bone and bone marrow, often requiring a coordinated, long-term effort from a variety of medical specialists to achieve a cure. The infection can arise from the bloodstream, from an adjacent soft-tissue infection, or, commonly, after trauma or surgery. Treatment is notoriously difficult due to the bacteria's ability to form biofilm and the reduced blood flow to the infected bone, which limits antibiotic efficacy.
Diagnosis of this debilitating condition often relies on a combination of imaging, such as X-rays and MRI, alongside definitive bone biopsy for culture to identify the causative organism and determine antibiotic sensitivities. The surgical component typically involves meticulous debridement to remove all infected and non-viable bone tissue, which is crucial for treatment success. A detailed understanding of both the pathogenesis and the various treatment modalities is essential for discussing how to improve clinical outcomes for patients suffering from this severe ailment.