Strategies for the diagnosis and management of osteomyelitis in lower limbs: a literature review

Abstract

Objective This study aims to critically review the literature on diagnostic and therapeutic approaches to osteomyelitis in lower limbs, emphasizing the use of antibiotic-loaded cements, surgical advancements, and medicinal therapies. Methodology A systematic literature review was conducted using the PubMed and Scopus databases, covering the period from 2010 to 2024. The descriptors "osteomyelitis," "antibiotic cement," and "lower limb surgery" were combined using Boolean operators (AND, OR, and NOT) to maximize search precision. Initially, 50 articles were identified. After excluding duplicates and review studies, 40 titles and abstracts were screened. Of these, 30 studies were selected

based on inclusion criteria, such as quantitative data on osteomyelitis management and adult populations. Extracted data were organized into tables and analyzed qualitatively and quantitatively to identify trends and patterns. Results The studies demonstrated that the use of antibiotic-loaded cements, combined with surgical debridement and systemic therapy, is highly effective in reducing infections and complications. Additionally, personalized approaches based on bacterial cultures significantly reduced recurrence rates. Conclusion Early interventions and the integration of innovative technologies are essential for the effective management of osteomyelitis in lower limbs.