What is surgery for osteomyelitis called?

Debridement means removing infected, dead, or badly damaged tissue so healthy tissue can be treated. Drainage involves releasing pus from an abscess or infected space. A sequestrectomy removes a separated piece of dead bone, sometimes called a sequestrum. If infection surrounds metalwork, the surgeon may discuss whether the implant can stay in place or needs attention.

The exact procedure depends on the infection’s location, its depth, blood supply, the condition of the skin, and whether a fracture or implant is involved. Antibiotics are often part of the plan before or after an operation. Imaging and samples taken during surgery can clarify which areas need treatment.

Bring a list of medicines, allergies, previous operations, and any recent culture results. Ask how the operation is expected to improve infection control, whether a sample will be sent to a laboratory, and how the wound or bone will be protected afterwards. Follow instructions about eating, medicines, and wound care from your treating team.

If the procedure leaves a gap or weak area in bone, reconstruction may be considered after infection control. This can include [Bone Grafting](/treatments/trauma-and-fracture-care/bone-grafting/), depending on the surgeon’s assessment.

After an operation, seek urgent advice for fever, worsening pain, spreading redness, foul-smelling drainage, wound separation, a cold or pale limb, new numbness, or inability to move the limb as expected. Breathlessness, chest pain, or sudden confusion also requires emergency care.

Ask which procedure is being proposed, what tissue will be removed, whether hardware will be affected, how cultures guide antibiotics, and what activity limits or follow-up appointments will be needed.