Exclusive: Dr Debunks Myth, Says Infected Bones Can Heal And Even Regenerate, Here's What You Need To Know!

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Bone infections, or osteomyelitis, have long been seen as a serious, life-altering condition that can compromise mobility and quality of life.

When bones become infected, the immune system responds by sending white blood cells to the area to fight off the infection. This immune response can lead to pus formation, which blocks blood vessels, cutting off the bone's nutrient and oxygen supply. As a result, parts of the bone can die, making it more difficult for the body to naturally heal the infected area. For a long time, this was seen as a permanent issue.

Can Infected Bones Heal And Regenerate?

Contrary to the common myth that an infected bone cannot heal, the truth is that bone is living tissue, capable of regeneration if provided with the right environment-including proper biology, stability, and eradication of infection.

The story of Shankar (a patient in Vasavi Hospital) is a powerful testament to this fact.

Shankar woke up in the hospital, disoriented and in excruciating pain. His left leg was severely injured, with a large, bleeding wound. The memories of colliding with a speeding car while riding his bike on the highway slowly came back to him. Shankar, who was supposed to get married the following month and had just started a new job, saw his life unravel in a matter of seconds.

He had suffered a compound fracture of the shin bone (tibia), a severe injury where the bone not only breaks but also pierces through the skin, exposing it to a high risk of infection. Another hospital once advised Shankar to undergo amputation, which would have allowed him to walk with a prosthetic limb. However, Shankar was determined not to give up. Hence, he sought the expertise of a bone reconstruction specialist.

Dr. Srivatsa Subramanya, a renowned orthopedic surgeon at Vasavi Hospital told Boldsky that "After careful assessment and planning, a team of plastic and limb reconstruction surgeons operated on him. The compound fracture had severely compromised the blood supply to the bone, leading to a high risk of infection and complicating the healing process."

Over the following six months, Shankar underwent five surgeries, with external fixators (rods and pins) holding his bones in place. Unfortunately, despite these efforts, the bone failed to heal due to a persistent infection. Then, the experts removed 9 cm of infected bone, stabilized the fracture with an interlocking nail, and used antibiotic-coated beads to prevent the infection from returning.

A muscle flap was used to restore blood supply, and Shankar was able to walk the very next day, albeit with a frame. Six weeks later, the infection had cleared, but Shankar still faced a 9 cm gap in his bone. To regenerate the bone, he underwent bone grafting, where a mixture of his bone, taken from his waist, and synthetic bone was placed in the void. In a few months, the fracture had healed, and Shankar was able to walk again without support.

Shankar's recovery is a remarkable example of how even severely infected bones can heal with the right medical approach. Today, Shankar is not only back on his feet but also proud of his scars, which serve as a reminder of his determination and resilience. He never misses an opportunity to show them off, grateful that he never lost hope, Dr Subramanya adds.

Disclaimer: The information provided in this article is for general informational and educational purposes only and is not intended as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or a qualified healthcare provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.