When are bone infections serious?

Bone infections are always serious, says Healthline. If a bone infection is not treated early, it can result in chronic bone infection, painful symptoms, permanent damage to the bone and severe complications, including amputation.

Pathogens such as the Staphylococcus bacteria can enter the body through deep cuts, fractures or even surgical wounds, claims Healthline. Fortunately, most bone infections are healed through a course of antibiotics. For more severe cases, the physician may have the antibiotics delivered to the patient intravenously. A course of antibiotics can last up to six weeks. Surgery may also be necessary for a bad bone infection, and if a prosthetic is the cause of infection, the surgeon replaces it.