To prevent bone infections, we make early efforts to decontaminate the bone ends and safely stabilize the fracture to enable healing. If an infection does occur, physicians may use intravenous antibiotics or implanted antibiotic beads that discharge time-released medication. In some cases, surgery may be necessary to removed infected bone and surrounding tissue (a procedure called “debridement”).
The long-term prognosis for patients with bone infection can be excellent if the infection is discovered and treated early.
