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X-ray image shows left foot before and after operation involving amputation of the big toe. Although, X-ray is cheap and fast method, but it is only beneficial in detecting severe cases where about 30-50% of the bone has been destroyed. A bone scan called a radionucleide scan can help in detecting a bone infection in its early stages. In severe cases multiple types of surgeries are suggested such as osteotomies, bone grafts, bone transport, etc. Bone cuts or bone moved from one spot to another can be viewed from X-ray scan.
Xray image show osteomyelitis of the left tibia. The tibia is one of the most common sites for osteomyelitis, and fortunately it is one of the easier bones to approach.
Acute osteomyelitis usually occurs after an episode of bacteremia in which the organisms inoculate the bone. The most common organisms responsible for this are S aureus, Streptococcus pneumoniae, and Haemophilus influenza type b. These organisms enter into the body during a severe injury, deep cut, or wound and cause infections in nearby bones. These bacteria can also overpower an immune system. People with weak immune system suffering with diabetes, HIV or AIDS, rheumatoid arthritis, etc are prone to such infections. Osteomyelitis is a rare but serious bone problem.
Osteomyelitis is infection in the bone. It leads to inflammation of the bone or the bone marrow. During osteomyelitis, a bone gets infected and the bone marrow swells and presses against the bone's blood vessels. Due to this, the bone cells are not able to get enough blood which leads to death of several parts of the bone. The infection spreads to the surrounding muscles and other soft tissues and pus is collected in the area forming an abscess. In children, bone infections commonly occurs in the long bones of the arms and legs while in adults, it appears in the hips, spine, and feet.
The image shows an X-ray image of ankle joint, showing osteomylitis of the calcaneus.
Hyperbaric oxygen therapy involves breathing pure oxygen in a pressurized tube. It is a well-established treatment for many diseases and medical conditions such as serious infections including bone infections.