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How Long Does Osteomyelitis Infection In Tibia Be Active?
I ve been previously diagnosed with osteomyelitis in the right tibia, it s been 15 years with off and on pain. I am now experiencing more pain, what is the best modality to determine if this infection is active? How long does it linger and will it ever go away completely.
Tue, 19 Jan 2016
Hello and welcome to HCM,
Bone infections are difficult to treat and take a long time to be cured completely.
A long history of 15 years with off and on pain implies that a focus of infection is still present which is not getting cleared.
However, it is not possible for the acute infection for persist for 15 years.
It is probable that the infection has caused permanent damage to the bone which is still painful.
I suggest you to consult your orthopedician for clinical assessment and relevant investigations like X-ray and / or Ct scan of the leg to assess the status of bones and surrounding soft tissues.
Clinical assessment and investigations will determine the cause of pain and thus its management can be planned.
Thanks and take care
Dr Shailja Puri
Bone infections are difficult to treat and take a long time to be cured completely.
A long history of 15 years with off and on pain implies that a focus of infection is still present which is not getting cleared.
However, it is not possible for the acute infection for persist for 15 years.
It is probable that the infection has caused permanent damage to the bone which is still painful.
I suggest you to consult your orthopedician for clinical assessment and relevant investigations like X-ray and / or Ct scan of the leg to assess the status of bones and surrounding soft tissues.
Clinical assessment and investigations will determine the cause of pain and thus its management can be planned.
Thanks and take care
Dr Shailja Puri
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