Case Report Open Access

A Rare Case of Chronic Osteomyelitis of the Femur Presenting as Persistent Limb Pain: A Case Report and Literature Review

Abstract

Osteomyelitis is a serious inflammatory condition of bone caused primarily by pyogenic bacterial infection, leading to progressive bone destruction if not diagnosed and treated early. Despite advances in antimicrobial therapy and imaging modalities, chronic osteomyelitis remains a challenging clinical entity due to its subtle presentation, recurrence risk, and requirement for prolonged treatment. We report a case of chronic osteomyelitis of the distal femur in a middleaged patient who presented with persistent pain, swelling, and intermittent fever over several months. Initial misdiagnosis as soft tissue infection delayed appropriate management. Imaging studies including radiography and magnetic resonance imaging confirmed osteomyelitic changes, and microbiological analysis revealed methicillin-sensitive Staphylococcus aureus. The patient underwent surgical debridement combined with targeted intravenous antibiotic therapy, resulting in significant clinical improvement. This case highlights the importance of early suspicion, multidisciplinary management, and imagingguided diagnosis in preventing complications of chronic osteomyelitis.

Michael Anderson

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