Misdiagnosis and Medical Malpractice of Osteomyelitis

Osteomyelitis - Causes, infections, and trauma

Osteomyelitis is a critical medical condition which is characterized by inflammation of the bone or bone marrow. Osteomyelitis can be fatal, if not properly detected and treated. This condition is commonly caused by fungal or bacterial infections, and can be averted by antibiotics if administered in the right proportions and time.

However, in the case of a misdiagnosis or improper medication, the infection spreads to other body parts or causes bone death. Bone death leads to immediate amputation to stop the infection from spreading further. Osteomyelitis is a direct result of infectious organisms entering the body through several pathways. Some common causes include:

• Breakage of the skin that introduces bacterial organisms into the body
• Poorly sterilized hardware used in the body during orthopedic surgery
• Bacteria from local infections entering the blood stream
• Exposure to staphylococcus aureus bacterium

When the bone is exposed to an infection, the infected area attracts leukocytes which release enzymes that lyse or cut the bone in an attempt to kill the infectious organisms. The pus from this infection immediately disrupts blood flow to the local vessels and leads to bone death, requiring amputation to stop the infection. In order to reformulate the bone, osteoblasts may be required by the body.

Who is at potential risk?

Any of the following individuals may be at high risk of contracting osteomyelitis:

• Recent bone fracture or trauma
• Recently undergone orthopedic surgery
• Compromised immune systems
• Recent open wounds and skin ulceration
• Major skin infection
• Peripheral vascular diseases

Signs and symptoms

Common symptoms of osteomyelitis are:

• Pain and warmth in the infected area
• Irritability and lethargy in children
• Chills and fever
• Rash, redness or swelling in the infected area

To diagnose a case of osteomyelitis, the doctor will be required to carry out thorough physical examinations of the infected body part for signs and symptoms of the suspected condition. The common tests that are ordered prior to diagnosis are X-ray, CT scans, MRI, blood tests and a biopsy, as found appropriate by the physician.

Osteomyelitis and medical malpractice

In most cases, osteomyelitis occurs due to failure to recognize or a misdiagnosis of its symptoms. When a patient at a high risk of contracting osteomyelitis is not diagnosed correctly in spite of obvious symptoms and signs, or is not administered the right medication and treatment for osteomyelitis, it becomes a medical malpractice case.

When the medical expert recognizes the signs and prescribes the right IV antibiotics in time, the patient can avoid undergoing surgery and its risks. However, when diagnosis is not done correctly, or when surgical errors are committed (including improper use of hardware during surgery), it can be established as a medical malpractice.

If you or someone you love is suffering from osteomyelitis due to medical negligence during, before or after surgery, contact the New York City medical malpractice attorneys today to schedule a free consultation. Rosenberg, Minc, Falkoff & Wolff have law offices located in Astoria, Queens, New York City and two locations in Brooklyn. Call 212-344-1000 and speak to caring voice on the other side.

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