Absorbable Antibiotic Bead Treatment for Osteomyelitis

Overview

This procedure is used to implant antibiotic-impregnated beads of calcium sulfate or calcium phosphate into infected bone. The beads deliver medication directly to the source of the infection. This is important, because infected bone often has a poor blood supply, and oral antibiotics may not be able to reach the infection through the bloodstream.

Preparation

After anesthesia is administered and the target area is cleansed and sterilized, the surgeon makes an incision to access the site of the infection. The surgeon cleans the infected area by scraping out the infected bone and removing it from the body.

Implanting The Beads

The surgeon packs the opening in the bone with the antibiotic-impregnated beads. The antibiotics in the beads will help kill the microorganisms that cause the infection. The beads gradually break down to help facilitate the growth of healthy new bone.

End Of Procedure And Aftercare

Once the beads have been implanted, the wound is closed and bandaged. Recovery times vary according to the patient's health and the location and extent of the infection. The patient will be monitored closely as the bone heals.