Orthopedic Infections

If you have a bone or joint infection, which can lead to severe medical problems, rely on the Texas Infectious Disease Institute in Richardson, Texas. Double-board-certified internal medicine and infectious disease specialist Serge Lartchenko, MD, and his experienced team treat orthopedic infections to get you quickly on the road to recovery and save your limbs. Call the office today to schedule an evaluation, or use the online booking tab.

What are orthopedic infections?

Orthopedic infections affect joints (septic arthritis) and bones (osteomyelitis). They are common medical problems now that people live longer and undergo joint replacement surgery.

During the next 10 years, the Journal of Bone and Joint Surgery suggests that the total number of hip and knee replacements will increase from 600,000 to 4 million.

Dr. Lartchenko has more than 10 years of experience effectively treating orthopedic- and surgery-related infections, including those due to spinal instrumentation.

What are the symptoms of orthopedic infections?

Common symptoms of orthopedic infections include:

• Warmth
• Redness
• Inflammation
• Pus
• Reduced range of motion
• Fever
• Chills
• Fatigue
• Vomiting
• Limping
• Pain

See your specialist at the first sign of an infection. Early detection makes it easier to treat. Your provider could order X-rays, an MRI, bloodwork, or fluid testing to diagnose your condition.

What causes orthopedic infections?

The common risk factors for orthopedic infections include having surgery, particularly knee replacement or hip replacement surgery. About 5% of prosthetic procedures result in an infection. Additional risk factors include infections caused by spinal surgery.

What are the different types of orthopedic infections?

The orthopedic infections that the experts at the Texas Infectious Disease Institute commonly treat include:

Bone infections

Bone infections are often challenging to treat, as they’re situated deep within your body and spread quickly, and they can lead to amputation when not detected or treated early.

Orthopedic surgery site infections

You might develop an infection near the surgical site if you’ve recently undergone orthopedic surgery. Dr. Lartchenko offers highly effective treatments to eliminate surgery site infections.

Knee or hip replacement infections

If you have knee or hip replacement and develop an infection, see the Texas Infectious Disease Institute team at the first sign of a problem to prevent the infection from spreading.

Spinal surgery infections

Infections after spinal surgery can develop due to the delicate, complex nature of the surgery. Early detection and treatment by the Texas Infectious Disease Institute is the best way to recover after a spinal surgery infection.

How are orthopedic infections treated?

The Texas Infectious Disease Institute offers effective treatments for all orthopedic infections. The skilled team partners with vascular, orthopedic, spine, and plastic surgeons to properly treat your condition. You might receive intravenous (IV) antibiotics, oral antibiotics, and treatments that clean, remove debris from, or drain an infection.

Call the Texas Infectious Disease Institute office today or schedule an appointment online to get evaluated and treated for orthopedic infections.