Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 2, 2026
Treatment with Vancomycin Loaded Calcium Sulphate and Autogenous Bone in an Improved Rabbit Model of Bone Infection
Published on: March 14, 2019
Osteomyelitis calcaneum due to a scorpion sting
Saraswathivilasam S Suresh1, Hosam Zaki2, Jamshid Etemadi Shalamzari2
1Senior Consultant and Head, Department of Orthopaedics, Ibri Regional Referral Hospital, Ibri, Sultanate of Oman.
Insights
Scorpion stings in children can cause severe complications beyond local reactions. This case highlights a rare instance of calcaneum osteomyelitis following a scorpion bite in a child.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric toxicology
- Infectious diseases
- Orthopedic surgery
Background:
- Scorpion stings are prevalent in children in the Middle East, often causing localized reactions.
- While typically benign, severe systemic complications and fatalities have been reported.
- Understanding the spectrum of scorpion sting injuries in pediatric populations is crucial.
Observation:
- A case report detailing a pediatric patient who experienced a scorpion sting on the lower extremity.
- The initial sting resulted in an unusual complication affecting the calcaneum (heel bone).
- Clinical presentation and diagnostic process leading to the identification of osteomyelitis.
Findings:
- The study identifies osteomyelitis of the calcaneum as a potential, albeit rare, complication of scorpion stings in children.
- This finding expands the known range of severe outcomes associated with scorpion envenomation.
- Highlights the importance of considering deep tissue infections after seemingly minor injuries.
Implications:
- Clinicians should maintain a high index of suspicion for serious infections in children with scorpion stings, even with initial local symptoms.
- Further research may be warranted to understand the pathophysiology linking scorpion venom to bone infections.
- This case underscores the need for comprehensive management protocols for pediatric scorpion stings, including monitoring for secondary infections.
Abstract:
Children are susceptible to various injuries, including insect bites, and scorpion bites are common in the lower extremity of children in Middle East countries. In most cases, the sting will produce just a local reaction; however, serious complications that can result in death have occurred. In this case report, we describe a case of osteomyelitis of the calcaneum after a scorpion sting.
