Towson wound care specialists at MVS Woundcare & Hyperbarics focus on treating and preventing common health issues, such as diabetic ulcers of the foot and chronic refractory osteomyelitis.
What Is Osteomyelitis?
Osteomyelitis is an infection of the bone often caused by bacteria’s circulation via the bloodstream or nearby infected tissue. It is a severe condition that can result in the amputation of limbs if left untreated. Treatment for osteomyelitis typically involves antibiotics, hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT), and surgery for the most severe cases.
The people most likely to suffer from chronic refractory osteomyelitis include:
- Children and people younger than 20
- Adults over the age of 50
- People living with diabetes
- People with recent injuries or surgeries
- Smokers
- Patients with peripheral artery disease
- Cancer
- Patients on hemodialysis
- Injectable drug users
How Long Does It Take For Osteomyelitis To Clear Up?
Osteomyelitis can take some time to clear up based upon severity. It typically takes between six weeks to a few months to fully treat. Chronic refractory osteomyelitis will take ongoing treatment and may even require continual treatment throughout a lifetime.
Osteomyelitis isn’t something that can clear up on its own, and as soon as patients notice symptoms, they should seek treatment.
What happens if osteomyelitis goes untreated?
When left untreated, osteomyelitis can be extremely painful and — in worst cases — life-threatening. Most untreated osteomyelitis leads to necrosis or the death of cells.
When this occurs, surgery and/or amputation follows, along with an extended antibiotics treatment period. Because of this, it is in the best interest to seek the help of a wound care specialist or vascular specialist as soon as you notice the symptoms of osteomyelitis.
What Is The Best Treatment For Osteomyelitis?
Immediate treatment for osteomyelitis is the best way to ensure a healthy and speedy recovery.
conduct imaging and evaluation of your chronic refractory osteomyelitis and determine the best course of action. Typically, this will involve a course of intravenous antibiotics and sometimes surgery to remove necrotic tissue. It may also involve HBOT therapy to speed the healing process.
Treatment of Osteomyelitis With A Hyperbaric Oxygen Chamber
Recent studies of chronic refractory osteomyelitis patients have shown that hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) can help treat chronic refractory osteomyelitis that has been unresponsive to other treatments. HBOT involves breathing pure oxygen in a pressurized chamber for up to two hours, which increases circulation and oxygen throughout the body — effectively helping the body heal itself.
The MVS Towson Wound Care specialists will set up a hyperbaric oxygen chamber schedule for their patients based on their osteomyelitis severity. They will spend between 90-120 minutes in the oxygen chamber several times per week.
MVS Wound Care Specialists
MVS Wound Care in Towson specializes in the treatment of chronic refractory osteomyelitis, diabetic ulcers of the foot, and more using hyperbaric oxygen chambers. They also employ concussion specialists to treat head injuries.
Meet with one of our wound care specialists today to learn more about how we can help you treat your osteomyelitis.
