An infectious diseases (ID) physician plays an important role in treating infections related to orthopedic devices, like joint replacements or rods used in bone fractures. If you develop an infection in or around an orthopedic device, the ID physician will first confirm the diagnosis, often through blood tests, imaging, and cultures taken from the infected area.
The treatment plan usually involves antibiotics, either orally or intravenously, depending on the severity of the infection. In some cases, the ID physician may work with your orthopedic surgeon to remove or replace the infected device if needed. They will carefully choose the right antibiotics based on the type of bacteria causing the infection and may adjust treatment if the infection doesn’t improve.
The ID physician will closely monitor your progress, ensuring that the infection is fully treated and that you recover without further complications.
