What is Absorbable Antibiotic Bead Treatment for Osteomyelitis?

Absorbable Antibiotic Bead Treatment for Osteomyelitis is a procedure used to implant into infected bone beads that have been impregnated with calcium sulfate or calcium phosphate. Because infected bone often has a poor blood supply, oral antibiotics may be unable to get to the infected area via the bloodstream. This procedure is done to make certain that medication reaches the source of the infection.

Who needs Absorbable Antibiotic Bead Treatment for Osteomyelitis?

Osteomyelitis is condition where the bone cells or marrow are infected, which can cause the death of tissue in the bone. Treatment is necessary to prevent the infection from spreading to other areas in the body. Symptoms of osteomyelitis can include fever, chills, pain, tenderness, and chronic fatigue. In severe cases, an open, draining wound near the infection may be present.

What are the steps in Absorbable Antibiotic Bead Treatment for Osteomyelitis?

Preparing for the Procedure

Once the area has been cleaned and sterilized, and anesthesia has been administered, the surgeon makes the initial incision to gain access to the infected area. The infected bone is then scraped out and removed from the body, leaving an opening in the bone.

Bead Implantation

The antibiotic beads are then packed into the opening by the surgeon. The antibiotics that are in the beads will help kill the microorganisms causing the infection. The beads will break down overtime, facilitating new bone growth once the infection is gone.

End of the Procedure

After the surgeon implants the antibiotic-impregnated beads, the incisions are closed and bandaged.

After Surgery

Recovery time for this procedure varies depending on the general health of the patient, as well as the infection's extent and location. While the bone heals, the patient will be carefully monitored to ensure success of the procedure.