Case of chronic patellar osteomyelitis

Abstract

Chronic osteomyelitis of patella, a rare clinical entity has been reported mostly in 5-15 years of age group, but is rare in adults. Literature search yields only few cases reported worldwide. We report a case of chronic osteomyelitis of right patella in a 16 year old male with a previous history of trauma. He presented with pus discharging from the right knee with limitation of joint movement. Radiographs showed lytic lesions of complete patella which was confirmed on computed tomography. Since the lesion was grossly spread over the complete patella, patellectomy was done. Our case suggests that chronic osteomyelitis is more likely to be caused by post-traumatic open injury to knee.

Keywords

• Lytic lesions
• osteomyelitis
• patella
• patellectomy