Osteomyelitis is a complex, often disabling bone infection that requires prompt diagnosis and an integrated treatment pathway. The Center of Excellence at Paideia International Hospital was created to offer patients comprehensive care: from diagnostic assessment to medical-surgical treatment, through follow-up and rehabilitation.
What is osteomyelitis
Osteomyelitis is a bone infection that can occur in either acute or chronic form. In most cases, it is caused by bacteria and, more rarely, by fungi. Early diagnosis is essential to reduce the risk of complications, significant functional impairment, and, in the most severe cases, amputation.
Why turn to a dedicated center
Managing bone infections requires highly specialized expertise and a multidisciplinary team working in a coordinated way. The Center’s goal is to become a concrete clinical point of reference nationwide for a condition that is often underestimated but has a major impact on quality of life.
Most common causes and at-risk patients
- By spread from infected soft tissues (for example, vascular or pressure ulcers) or by direct invasion of the bone after trauma, open fractures, or surgery (including prosthesis placement).
- Through the bloodstream (more common in children), with possible involvement especially of the lower limbs, but also of the vertebral bodies or facial bones.
- In association with peripheral vascular disease, particularly in diabetic and elderly patients, with predominant involvement of the lower limbs.
Symptoms: when to suspect it
- Localized pain
- Swelling (edema)
- Functional limitation of the affected area, and not necessarily fever
The patient pathway at Paideia
- Initial specialist evaluation and definition of the clinical suspicion
- Diagnosis through targeted tests
- Integrated treatment (medical and surgical)
- Clinical and radiological follow-up
- Rehabilitation and structured follow-up care
Diagnosis: tests and technologies
Microbiological tests
Laboratory tests
Imaging diagnostics
- Standard X-ray
- CT scan and high-sensitivity MRI
- Scintigraphy with labeled leukocytes (also useful for defining the stage and activity of the infection site)
- PET scan, particularly useful in complex cases and in infections involving prostheses or fixation devices
Treatment: integrated medical-surgical therapy
The multidisciplinary team
- Orthopedic surgeon
- Reconstructive plastic surgeon
- Infectious disease specialist
- Radiologist
- Physiotherapist
Main surgical stages (when indicated)
- Surgical debridement with removal of necrotic tissue and biofilm
- Possible removal of fixation devices or prostheses, when feasible
- Use of negative pressure wound therapy (VAC) in selected cases
- Targeted antibiotic therapy according to protocols for severe infections
- Once the infection is under control, definitive bone coverage with muscle or musculocutaneous flaps
