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Brucella osteomyelitis of the proximal tibia: a case report
Timothy P Fowler1, Jay Keener, Joseph A Buckwalter
1University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics, Department of Orthopaedics, Iowa City, Iowa 52242, USA. timothy-fowler@uiowa.edu
The Iowa Orthopaedic Journal
|August 7, 2004
Summary
Brucellosis is a zoonotic disease rarely seen in the US. This case highlights how brucella osteomyelitis can mimic bone cancer, emphasizing the need for high diagnostic suspicion.
Area of Science:
- Infectious Diseases
- Orthopedic Surgery
- Radiology
Background:
- Brucellosis is a zoonotic disease caused by Brucella species, endemic globally but uncommon in the US.
- Human brucellosis presents with nonspecific symptoms, complicating diagnosis.
- Brucella osteomyelitis can radiographically mimic neoplastic bone lesions.
Observation:
- A case of Brucella osteomyelitis affecting the proximal tibia is presented.
- The patient's radiographic findings mimicked a bone neoplasm.
- A high index of suspicion was required for diagnosis.
Findings:
- Brucella osteomyelitis can present with lytic bone lesions similar to cancer.
- The nonspecific nature of brucellosis symptoms can delay diagnosis.
- This case underscores the importance of considering Brucella in the differential diagnosis of osteomyelitis.
Implications:
- Early and accurate diagnosis of Brucella osteomyelitis is crucial for effective treatment.
- Radiologists and clinicians should consider Brucellosis in the differential diagnosis of lytic bone lesions.
- Increased awareness can improve patient outcomes for this uncommon infection.