Osteomyelitis is a severe complication that can result from a bedsore that becomes infected. A victim may need to have their limb amputated to prevent further spread of the infection.
What is Osteomyelitis?
Osteomyelitis is a bone infection. It occurs when the bone tissue swells or inflames. It may be the result of a bacterial bloodstream infection that spreads, traumatic injury, or the use of a prosthetic. There are risk factors that may make a person more susceptible to developing osteomyelitis, like a weakened immune system or ulcers.
Can bedsores cause osteomyelitis?
Bedsores can cause osteomyelitis when bacteria enter a wound and spread to the bone. A bedsore is a pressure wound that leaves the body exposed. When the bedsore is deep, and bacteria is introduced, the result may be infection of the bone or osteomyelitis.
Stage IV pressure ulcers and osteomyelitis
The most severe bedsores are the most likely to develop osteomyelitis. When bedsores are especially deep, the bone is the most vulnerable. Stage four ulcers are the most serious. These deep wounds may extend all the way through the skin, muscles, tendons, and ligaments to reach the bones.
A stage IV bedsore creates a high risk of infection. A person should receive emergency medical care.
Treatment for Bedsores Resulting in Osteomyelitis
Treatment for bedsores resulting in osteomyelitis may include:
- Diagnostic testing that examines the bone and its proximity to the skin, blood tests to reveal infection, and imaging tests.
- Bone biopsy to see what is infecting the bone. Knowing exactly what is causing the infection can help doctors prescribe the right medicine.
- Removing the infected bone and tissue, also called debridement, removing any foreign objects that may be present from previous medical procedures.
- Draining the inflection of pus and fluid that has built up in the infected area.
- Bone tissues or bone grafting to form new bone and restore blood flow.
- Medication, including antibiotics.
- Amputation of the infected bone and body part.
In addition to these medical treatments, the person’s entire living environment should be evaluated. They may need changes in activity level, sanitation, nutrition, more frequent medical evaluations, and other changes to help them address bedsores and the possibilities of complications in the future.
Osteomyelitis and Amputation
Severe osteomyelitis may require amputation. While it is rare, amputation may be necessary when the infection is severe, and other treatment options are not viable.
A victim may endure significant lifestyle limitations, the need for more personal help, increased medical expenses, and pain and suffering.
Legal Rights for a Person Suffering Amputation from Osteomyelitis
When a person living in a care facility suffers osteomyelitis from a bedsore, they may have a claim for financial compensation. Bedsores and related medical complications may be the result of nursing home negligence. Negligence may be the legal basis for compensation.
Here are some examples of negligence that may lead to osteomyelitis and amputation:
- Inadequate bedsore prevention efforts
- Failing to provide adequate medical care when a bedsore appears
- Medical care providers not testing for osteomyelitis or consider the possibility when symptoms are present
- Ignoring the requests of a resident for routine or special medical care
- Leaving the person in a sedentary position for too long, causing bed sores to develop
- Having inadequate mobility devices, railings, and other supports to allow a person to be mobile
- Poor sanitation conditions in a care facility that increase the risk of infection
- Medical errors, providing the wrong treatment
If bedsores, osteomyelitis, or the need for amputation can be traced to negligence in the care the person received at a nursing facility, the victim may have a claim for financial compensation. Whether the condition occurred or it was made worse by inadequate care, a victim may have a legal claim.
Lawyer for Osteomyelitis and Amputation from Infected Bedsores
If you or a loved one is suffering from osteomyelitis, Bobby Jones Law can assist you. Robert “Bobby” Jones is a lawyer who represents people who have contracted osteomyelitis from bedsores which may include the need for amputation.
You may receive financial compensation. Our law firm can represent you in the compensation process. Call or message us to talk about your situation.
Sources: Johns Hopkins Medicine, Osteomyelitis; Mayo Clinic, Osteomyelitis, Healthline, Pressure Ulcer (Bedsore) Stages; Woundsource, Does osteomyelitis always require surgery?
