Posttraumatic chronic cranial osteomyelitis due to a superficial wound - A clinical and neuroradiological case report

Osteomyelitis is a progressive infection of bone and bone marrow by microorganisms, resulting in inflammatory destruction of bone, bone necrosis, and new bone formation. Skull involvement is a rare occurrence which mainly affects children with chronic inflammatory diseases of paranasal sinusitis, or malignant otitis. In adults, cranial vault osteomyelitis can occur after cranial surgery or head trauma.

We describe an unusual case of chronic cranial osteomyelitis occurred 3 months following a mild traumatic brain injury. The causative mechanisms along with the diagnostic modalities are discussed.

Focal cranial vault osteomyelitis, in the absence of severe trauma, can be challenging to diagnose. Imaging findings and patient history should be carefully investigated to make a correct diagnosis.