Fungal Osteomyelitis of the Proximal Tibial Epiphysis and Septic Arthritis Secondary to an Open Wound: A Case Report

JBJS Case Connect. 2023 Aug 17;13(3). doi: 10.2106/JBJS.CC.23.00015. eCollection 2023 Jul 1.

Abstract

Case: A 9-year-old boy presented with a painful, swollen knee. He had a wound on the knee 2 months ago after a fall in contaminated water. At another hospital, this was treated with debridement twice, and the patient received several antibiotics. Imaging showed septic arthritis and epiphyseal osteomyelitis involving the proximal medial tibia. Surgical debridement and joint washout were performed. Fungal cultures grew Scedosporium boydii. Antifungal treatment with voriconazole was given. At a 5-year follow-up, we noticed favorable outcomes without any complications.

Conclusions: Fungal osteomyelitis because of direct inoculation should be considered a rare differential diagnosis while treating epiphyseal osteomyelitis.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Anti-Bacterial Agents
  • Arthritis, Infectious* / diagnostic imaging
  • Child
  • Epiphyses
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Osteomyelitis* / diagnostic imaging
  • Osteomyelitis* / etiology
  • Pain
  • Tibia / diagnostic imaging

Substances

  • Anti-Bacterial Agents