Patellar Osteomyelitis in a 9-Year-Old Patient with Chronic Granulomatous Disease: A Case Report

Abstract

Hematogenous osteomyelitis is commonly reported in long tubular bones in the pediatric population. Acute osteomyelitis involving the patella is extremely uncommon in children, and its diagnosis is frequently delayed due to its rarity and variable clinical manifestations. Chronic granulomatous disease (CGD) is a rare genetic immunodeficiency disorder characterized by severe recurrent bacterial and fungal infections. The most commonly affected sites of infection are the lungs, lymph nodes, skin, liver, and gastrointestinal tract. Acute hematogenous osteomyelitis of the patella associated with CGD has never been reported. Our report describes the first case of acute hematogenous patellar osteomyelitis in a pediatric patient with CGD. Her clinical manifestations were similar to other possible differentials such as septic arthritis; however, use of advanced imaging confirmed the diagnosis, and the patient was successfully managed surgically. Since hematogenous osteomyelitis in children is uncommon, a high index of suspicion and advanced imaging may help with its diagnosis, and in cases where antibiotic treatment proves to be insufficient, prompt surgical management is imperative.