Subacute metacarpal osteomyelitis in a child

Abstract

Subacute osteomyelitis is a rare aff ection. Clinical presentation is often unclear and can lead to delay in diagnosis. As a matter of fact, subacute metacarpal osteomyelitis is usually missed at fi rst, so that some complications may occur, e.g., brachymetacarpia or loss of motion. We report on a 10-year-old boy with subacute metaphyseal osteomyelitis of the second right metacarpal bone. Radiological features can mimic various benign or malignant bone tumors and non-pyogenic infections. Histologic confi rmation is necessary to avoid delay in diagnosis. Treatment was based on antibiotics and surgical debridement. No infectious agent was found on bacteriologic testing. At 1-year follow up, no complications were reported and the fi nger showed normal range of motion. X-ray views showed bone reconstruction with fi brosis of the ulnar part of the metaphysis, without length discrepancy.