About bone infection The management of infection of bone
(osteomyelitis) is challenging. The use of antibiotics has
virtually eliminated infection as a major medical problem in the
21st century, but it remains a significant problem in bone due
to the poor blood supply in normal bone, and the virtually non-
existent blood supply of injured bone, since antibiotics can
only penetrate where there is a blood supply. If there is metal
in the area, this can act as a reservoir of infection and is a
particular problem. Treatment of bone infection In the absence
of fracture, infection can be treated by removal of infected
bone (debridement) followed by reconstruction by plastic surgery
if there is sufficient bone remaining. If a whole segment of
bone is involved, it may need removal, and new bone creating by
the use of the Ilizarov technique. In the case of infected
fractures, the primary treatment often involves removal of any
metalwork; the fracture site has to be stabilised by another
method until healed, which usual