chronic osteomyelitis just found-now total leg amputation? - Amputation / Prosthetic Message Board

terry64 · 11-10-2007, 09:01 PM

A loved one has just been told he has chronic osteomyelitis in the leg and into the pelvic area. Dr. says leg has to be removed because infection has done too much damage to bone ect...he was in the hospital for a non-healing pressure ulcer when osteo...was found.Shouldn't this osteo have been found sooner than now,at the very chronic stage???Perhaps last year when he was in hospital?This sounds terrible to me...Any osteo information would be appreciated.Thanks!

stepbystep89 · 01-17-2008, 11:42 AM

Terry,
I don't know if you are checking this board or not, since it has been so long since you posted.

You would think the osteomylitis would have been found sooner than the stage where they are looking to amputate. I am not sure why, but it seems to me the medical profession really doesn't know that much about the infection. Also, I find a lot of people and read a lot of threads from people who have had the symptoms for years and they are not diagnosed until finally someone does surgery, usually for some other reason, and they find the pus or the signs that the infection truly is in the bone. I wish I had the answers for your questions, but I don't.

I have had osteomylitis in the past and may have it now - I just had an MRI to see if the cellulitis I have has reached the bone. I can tell you that I have had a very difficult time finding the answers myself. I hope you find someone who can help you find the information you need.

Please post and let us know how things are going.
Step