Wound-related osteomyelitis: a case of containment not cure

Community nurses need to be aware that some patients with osteomyelitis are treated with antibiotics alone. Such patients often have co-morbidities and quality of life issues that directly impact on the decision to treat osteomyelitis surgically. However, adopting a conservative approach to osteomyelitis management is associated with an increased risk of osteomyelitis recurrence. The rationale for managing chronic wound-related osteomyelitis with antibiotics is discussed. Community nurses caring for patients that have received antibiotics alone to treat osteomyelitis need to be aware of the potential for osteomyelitis recurrence and how to make the diagnosis.