Osteomyelitis

These infections can either present as a local wound or in severe cases it result in a systemic infection resulting in sepsis which can cause multi-organ failure and even death. Inflammatory markers are tested in the blood along with wound cultures and blood cultures to tailor treatment to the specific infection. X-rays, MRIs and bone scans are often utilized to aid with diagnosis.

These infections are often very hard to treat. They require serial wound debridement’s, IV antibiotics, bone debridement and in severe cases they result in amputation of the involved foot or limb. Amputation rates are higher in patients with poor glycemic control. It is a known fact that 50% of patients who undergo a below knee amputation will die within 5 years of amputation. The economic and social burden is also vast. Below is a small collection of pictures of infections we have seen and treated.

It takes a team of expert doctors including infection disease, vascular surgery, interventional cardiology, endocrinology, internal medicine and foot and ankle surgery to salvage a limb. Again, good glycemic control is key in recovery. Correction of deformity or offloading of the wounds is another important factor that is important to address.

If you or a family member has a simple or complex ulceration that has not healed or just recently developed we offer same day visits for these conditions as time is imperative.