Bone Infections & Joint Infections: Tests & Treatments at University of Colorado Hospital

Tests for Bone Infections & Joint Infections

Physical examination – can determine bone tenderness, swelling and redness

Bone scan – a radioactive material is injected into your vein. It travels through your blood. A camera detects the material and takes a scan of your body, measuring the amount of material in your bones.

Blood cultures – a blood test that determines if there is an infection in your body.

Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) – a non-invasive technology that provides highly accurate imaging of your bones. An MRI lasts approximately 30 minutes.

Needle aspiration – a needle is used to remove tissue from the infected area for testing.

Bone lesion biopsy – a small amount of bone is removed for testing. This involves numbing the skin, and using a small needle to remove a bone sample.

Treatments for Bone Infections & Joint Infections

Antibiotics – a medication that is used to destroy the bacteria causing an infection.

Surgery – in some cases, surgery is necessary to remove dead bone tissue.