How To Treat Osteolysis
Osteolysis is a condition that causes the bones to wear down, becoming weak and thin. However, no obvious symptoms alert a patient to its onset. Instead, pain begins to be felt around the tissues after a bone breaks. The only way to be certain osteolysis is present is to undergo X-rays, CT scans, MRIs, PET scans, or bone biopsies, and these are typically only done after experiencing a break or undergoing joint surgery. There are, however, several risk factors that increase an individual's risk of developing osteolysis, including developing growths on the bones or having a prosthetic joint. Other conditions, such as periodontal disease, arthritis, and other types of pressure-inducing infections can also lead to osteolysis. Get to know the various treatment options for osteolysis now.
Treating An Underlying Infection
Doctors will first try to treat any underlying infection to mediate the effects of osteolysis. When the body detects problematic invaders, such as bacteria, that signal an infection, the immune system responds by attacking these cells. However, in some cases, these responders can accidentally begin to attack the bone cells, thus contributing to their weakening and can lead to osteolysis if left unattended. These infections most commonly occur after a joint replacement surgery, but any infection can lead to this response by the immune system. If you see signs of infection after surgery or after incurring a wound, seek medical treatment for as soon as possible.
Continue reading to discover the full details of more treatment options for osteolysis.
Surgery To Fix Fractures
If left untreated, osteolysis can lead to bits of bone matter breaking off and remaining in the bloodstream. As the immune system begins to attack what it perceives as foreign invaders in the blood, it can also mistakenly begin to break down the healthy bone and tissues, as well. Because of this risk, it may sometimes be necessary to undergo surgery to fix fractures. Typically, a clean break or fracture will be treated by wearing a cast or plaster, resetting the bone and allowing the body to heal naturally. With messier breaks and fractures, however, pieces of bone may continue to break off. When this happens, surgeons must go into the area and remove any floating fragments from the surrounding tissues and bloodstream to prevent infection and a pathological response from the immune system.
Get to know the next treatment option for osteolysis now.
