Osteomyelitis is an infection involving the bones. Although cases can be seen in children and healthy adults, we most commonly see these cases in the diabetic population.
Most diabetic patients have some sort of neuropathy, which results in loss of sensation to the foot. Glycemic control is directly related to the severity of neuropathy. Neuropathy also results in atrophy of the intrinsic muscles of the foot which give the larger and stronger muscles of the foot mechanical advantage which results in foot deformity. Charcot arthropathy is another complication of diabetes and neuropathy which results in foot deformity.
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.
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For our patient’s convenience, we offer foot and ankle treatments for all kinds of conditions such as Osteomyelitis in Adrian, MI, Osteomyelitis in Ann Arbor, MI, and Osteomyelitis in Jackson, MI. We have our own digital x-ray, MRI, Cat-scan, and ultrasound equipment at many of our podiatry clinics. Our on-site podiatric physical therapy clinics allow for constant communication between the physicians and physical therapists, ensuring the most effective therapy and successful recovery for our patients.