Osteomyelitis is a bacterial infection of bone tissue. It can occur through hematogenous spread, contiguous spread, or direct inoculation. It has acute and chronic forms, and treatment approaches differ.
Clinical findings, laboratory tests (CRP, sedimentation), imaging methods (MRI, scintigraphy), and bone biopsy are evaluated together in diagnosis. Bone biopsy is the gold standard for both diagnosis and identification of the causative microorganism.
Osteomyelitis treatment requires long-term antibiotic use and is usually conducted alongside surgical debridement. Special situations such as diabetic foot osteomyelitis require a multidisciplinary approach and long-term follow-up.
Key Points
Bone biopsy is the gold standard in diagnosis
Long-term antibiotic therapy is required
Surgical debridement is part of treatment
Diabetic foot osteomyelitis requires a special approach