Approach to Lower Extremity Osteomyelitis
in: Lower Extremity Reconstruction: From Simple to Complex, Springer Nature, pp.351-370, 2026
- Publication Type: Book Chapter / Chapter Research Book
- Publication Date: 2026
- Doi Number: 10.1007/978-3-032-12753-2_18
- Publisher: Springer Nature
- Page Numbers: pp.351-370
- Keywords: Fix and Flap, Lower Extremity, Microbiological Treatment, Osteomyelitis, Reconstruction, Bone Infection
- Acibadem Mehmet Ali Aydinlar University Affiliated: Yes
Abstract
Osteomyelitis of the lower extremity presents a significant clinical challenge, necessitating a multidisciplinary approach for effective management. This review explores the etiology, pathophysiology, clinical presentation, diagnostic evaluation, and treatment strategies for lower extremity osteomyelitis. Lower extremity osteomyelitis commonly arises from diabetic foot ulcers, traumatic injuries, or peripheral vascular diseases, often leading to polymicrobial infections. Clinical presentation varies but typically includes nonspecific symptoms such as swelling, fever, and pain, emphasizing the importance of a thorough history and physical examination. Diagnostic evaluation involves laboratory tests, imaging studies, and microbiologic cultures to facilitate accurate diagnosis and guide treatment decisions. Treatment encompasses a combination of antimicrobial therapy and surgical intervention tailored to the individual patient’s condition. Surgical intervention strategies, particularly the innovative Flap & Fix approach, are explored in detail, presenting a comprehensive management plan that encompasses radical debridement, infection control, and reconstructive surgery. By synthesizing current knowledge and practices in the management of lower extremity osteomyelitis, this chapter contributes to the ongoing discourse on optimizing treatment outcomes through a combination of surgical precision, targeted antibiotic therapy, and the integration of emerging therapeutic modalities.