A Rare Case of a Distal Humerus Pathological Fracture from Klebsiella Pneumoniae Osteomyelitis: A Case Report

M F Chan1, Ebk Kwek2

  • 1Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Tan Tock Seng Hospital, Singapore.

Insights

Klebsiella pneumoniae rarely causes bone infections in healthy individuals. This case details a humerus fracture due to osteomyelitis from Klebsiella pneumoniae dissemination, highlighting diagnosis and treatment for such rare occurrences.

Area of Science:

  • Infectious Diseases
  • Orthopedic Surgery
  • Bacteriology

Background:

  • Klebsiella pneumoniae is a significant cause of pyogenic liver disease.
  • Disseminated Klebsiella pneumoniae infections are uncommon, especially in healthy hosts and bone.
  • Osteomyelitis is a serious bone infection that can result from bacterial spread.

Observation:

  • A non-immuno-compromised patient presented with a distal humerus fracture.
  • The fracture was secondary to osteomyelitis caused by Klebsiella pneumoniae.
  • The infection disseminated from an unknown primary source.

Findings:

  • Surgical management included external fixation and antibiotic beads.
  • Medical therapy involved culture-directed antibiotics.
  • The patient's humerus fracture was successfully treated.

Implications:

  • This case underscores the importance of considering disseminated Klebsiella pneumoniae in atypical presentations.
  • It highlights effective diagnostic and therapeutic strategies for rare osteomyelitis cases.
  • Further research into Klebsiella pneumoniae dissemination in healthy hosts may be warranted.