It may start in childhood and be a recurring problem throughout an entire lifetime. Chronic osteomyelitis is characterized by recurrent flare-ups of infection, sometimes over many years. Bleeding and unpleasant odor may accompany the drainage. Bone itself is living tissue, and blood vessels and marrow in the core of bones supply them with oxygen and nutrients for strength and growth. When trauma or illness disrupts the balance, bone infections occur or recur.
Antibiotic drugs constitute the initial treatment for osteomyelitis.
These are given to rid the body of bacteria traveling through the blood which can reinfect bone or marrow unless eradicated. If the infection is acute, antibiotics may need to be administered intravenously, during a hospital stay. Otherwise, a liquid or tablet form of antibiotic may be prescribed to take at home. This is usually done on an inpatient basis and involves complete surgical removal of all the infected bone. Splinting or cast immobilization of the affected bone and adjacent joints may be done, particularly in children, to avoid further trauma and help the area heal.