For children or adults who have recently developed bone infections through the bloodstream, antibiotics are the most effective treatment. If the bacteria causing the infection can't be identified, then antibiotics effective against Staphylococcus aureus, the hacteria most comonly responsible, and in sorne cases against other bacteria are used. Depending on the severity of the infection, antibiotics may be given intravenousty at first, but they may be given orally later during a 4- to 6-week course of treatment. Some people need months of treatment. If the infection is detected at an early stage, surgery usually isn't necessary. Occasionally, however, abscesses are drained surgically.

For adults who have infections of the vertebrae, the usual treatment is appropriate antibiotics for 6 to 8 weeks, sometimes with bed rest. Surgery may be needed to drain abscesses or to stabilize affected vertebrae.

When a bone infection results from an adjacent soft tissue infection, treatment is more complex. Usually, all the dead tissue and bone are removed surgically, and the empty space is packed with healthy bone, muscle, or skin. Then the infection is treated with antibiotics.

Usually, an infected artificial joint is removed and replaced. Antibiotics may be given several weeks before surgery, so that the infected artificial joint can be removed and a new one implanted at the same time. Rarely, treatment is not successful and the infection continues, requiring surgery to fuse the joint or amputate the limb.

Infections that spread to the bone from foot ulcers caused by poor circulation or diabetes often involve a variety of bacteria and are difficult to cure with antibioties alone. Cure may require removing the infected bone.

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