Osteomyelitis is a serious bone infection that can, if untreated, cause life-threatening complications and permanent physical impairment. It is most often caused by a trauma that exposes damaged bone to bacteria or blood or tissue infections that spread into otherwise healthy bone tissue. Once the bone is damaged or weakened, complications such as osteoporosis or arthritis can occur and cause life-long problems. If you have experienced osteomyelitis and any associated conditions that have affected your ability to work, you may qualify to file a New York disability claim.
Treatment of Osteomyelitis
Depending on the severity of the infection, your doctors have several ways to treat the osteomyelitis. Modern surgical techniques and antibiotics are very effective in fighting bone infections as well as preventing other medical problems that are associated with osteomyelitis such as bone loss and joint deformity.
- Acute osteomyelitis is treated with a strong course of antibiotics. In some cases the medicine will be delivered via an intravenous line over the course of several weeks.
- Chronic osteomyelitis treatment is generally more invasive. Because the disease will have been ongoing for quite some time, surgery is often necessary to remove dead or dying bone.
- You may also need reconstructive treatment if the bone loss is extensive or you have suffered a fracture because of bone loss in weight bearing bones. Like osteoporosis, fractures are common in the spine, forearms, hips and leg bones.
- Reconstructive techniques may involve bone, skin, or muscle grafts and/or metal rods or plates to rebuild damaged or missing bone. The surgeon may also implant antibiotic directly in the wound or keep you on a strong course of intravenous antibiotics.
Disability Due To Osteomyelitis
Bone is the structural support system for your entire body. If it is compromised because of a work accident, car accident or other trauma, your ability to work and provide for your family can be compromised for many months or years. Depending on the severity of the infection and the extent of the corrective surgeries, you may never be the same.
Osteoporosis, arthritis and joint pain can forever impact your quality of life and employment prospects. Fortunately, you have legal options to help you cope with the aftermath. Our attorneys can assist you with filing a long term New York disability claim that will help provide for you and your family’s needs. Contact the Riemer & Associates at (212) 297-0700 for an evaluation of your long-term disability case.