Related Experiment Video
Updated: Oct 20, 2025

Author Spotlight: Advancing Pathogen Detection and Disease Assessment in Real-Time Using M-ROSE
Published on: March 1, 2024
A Rare Case of Emphysematous Osteomyelitis of Femur in an Intravenous Drug User
Imroz Singh Sachdev1, Neeru Tomer2, Sarath Bethapudi2
1Radiology, County Durham and Darlington NHS Foundation Trust, Durham, GBR.
Abstract:
Emphysematous osteomyelitis (EO) is a rare condition characterized by the appearance of gas locules within the bone on imaging, usually as a result of anaerobic bacterial infection. We present the case of a 46-year-old known intravenous (IV) drug user who was admitted to the emergency department with intractable pain in the right groin. He was febrile with elevated white cell count and C-reactive protein. He underwent an X-ray and CT of the pelvis which demonstrated intraosseous gas in the proximal right femur. A diagnosis of EO was made radiologically, allowing for prompt antibiotic treatment and a plan for surgical debridement. There are only a handful of published cases of EO in the literature, only one of which has described IV drug use as the underlying factor.
Related Concept Videos
Pulmonary Tuberculosis I
Causative Organism
The primary infectious agent causing tuberculosis is Mycobacterium tuberculosis, a slow-growing, acid-fast, aerobic rod that exhibits sensitivity to heat and ultraviolet light. Instances of Mycobacterium bovis and Mycobacterium avium contributing to the development of TB infection are rare.
Mode of...
Pulmonary Tuberculosis IV
Several diagnostic approaches are used to detect TB. The conventional method is the Tuberculin Skin Test (TST), also known as the Mantoux test. However, this method has...
Endocarditis I: Introduction
Acute Pyelonephritis I: Introduction
Acute Pyelonephritis II: Diagnostic Studies and Management
Pulmonary Tuberculosis III
The first classification is based on the development of the disease, and it includes the following categories:

