Chronic sclerosing osteomyelitis treated with wide resection and vascularized fibular autograft: a case report

Treatment recommendations for chronic culture-negative sclerosing osteomyelitis in the pediatric population have largely focused on supportive care, given the typical improvement in symptoms that occurs over time. This case report describes a patient with chronic sclerosing osteomyelitis (CSO) of the humerus who failed a prolonged course of nonoperative management. Definitive treatment consisted of resection of the diseased bone and reconstruction using a vascularized fibular osteocutaneous flap. To our knowledge, this is the first reported case of this technique being utilized specifically for CSO refractory to nonoperative management. At the time of most recent follow-up (35 months), the patient was completely pain-free and off all medication. Physical examination revealed full unrestricted passive and active range of motion. Radiographs at the time of most recent follow-up revealed intact hardware, excellent proximal and distal graft incorporation, and cortical hypertrophy. Vascularized fibular osteocutaneous flap reconstruction following resection is a viable alternative to nonoperative, expectant management for patients with refractory chronic sclerosing osteomyelitis.