Exploring the various options for the treatment of osteomyelitis
OA Version
Citation
Abstract
Osteomyelitis, or an infection of the bone, is a common morbidity associated with
traumatic bone injuries. These infections can be challenging to diagnose and treat, due to
the variable nature of the clinical symptoms as well as the abundance of potential sources
of the infection. It is estimated that treatment for implant-associated infections will cost
$1.26 billion. 9 Infections in the body can be caused by a number of pathogens including
viruses, fungi, and bacteria. Bacterial infections are typically treated with antibiotics that
are delivered to the target via the body’s blood supply. However, infections located in the
bone or around orthopedic hardware are more difficult to treat due to a lack of blood
supply to the hardware itself. Treatment is also hindered by the formation of a protective
biofilm layer by the bacteria. Physicians have struggled to find the most effective course
of antibiotic therapy for treating such infections. In order to conquer the problem, it is
crucial to understand the mechanism by which bacteria attach themselves to orthopedic
implants. By investigating how bacteria cause an infection and create a defense against
the body’s immune system, antibiotic therapies can be tailored to specifically treat the
pathogen. Only then can new antibiotics be developed to deliver targeted therapy at the
source of the infection. The goal of this new direction in antibiotic therapy is to prevent infections of the bone, as well as relapses, and decrease the morbidity and mortality of
the patients affected.