Absorbable Antibiotic Bead Treatment for Osteomyelitis

Overview

If you have an infected bone, your doctor may treat it with medicated beads. These are placed into the bone to send medicine directly into the infection. And that's helpful, because your bone may not have good blood flow. Lack of blood flow to the bone can keep antibiotics taken by mouth or by IV from reaching the infection. Here's how medicated beads are implanted.

Preparation

To start, you are given medicine to put you to sleep. An incision is made in your skin to reach your infected bone. The infected area is cleaned. The doctor may remove infected parts of the bone.

Implantation

Then, the beads are packed into the bone. They will release medicine to kill the germs. Over time, the beads will break down, and your body will use them to grow healthy new bone.

Conclusion

When the surgery is done, the opening in your skin is closed and you are monitored. Your healthcare provider will create a care plan to help you heal.

Please be aware that this information is provided to supplement the care provided by your physician. It is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. CALL YOUR HEALTHCARE PROVIDER IMMEDIATELY IF YOU THINK YOU MAY HAVE A MEDICAL EMERGENCY. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.