Chronic osteomyelitis is a persistent bone infection that can develop from acute osteomyelitis if the infection is not properly treated. It is characterized by the formation of dead bone (sequestra) surrounded by infected tissue. Treatment requires extensive surgical debridement to remove all infected and dead bone, followed by long-term antibiotics and procedures to fill dead space and promote healing. Complications can include continued infection, bone deformities, fractures and joint stiffness if not adequately addressed.