Primary subacute hematogenous osteomyelitis of navicular bone: A rare case report in 7-year-old child

Navicular bone location of primary subacute hematogenous osteomyelitis uncommon. There are few cases reported in literature. We aim to describe the clinico-radiological features of primary subacute hematogenous osteomyelitis of the navicular bone in a 7-year-old child, to explain our management of this rare disease and demonstrate that medical treatment without surgery is enough.

A 7-year-old child presented to emergency department. His chief complaint was fever, left limping and foot pain. The positive examination features of were painful palpation of the dorsal side of the foot and a swelling of the homolateral ankle. The erythrocyte sedimentation rate was high. The x-ray revealed a lytic lesion of the left navicular bone. The MRI findings led to the diagnosis of subacute osteomyelitis. Pain relief and normalization of inflammatory markers were obtained after 8 weeks of antibiotic therapy. Complete radiological healing was obtained after 9 months. One year after treatment, the patient was able to practice sports as previously.

Subacute osteomyelitis of the navicular bone in pediatric population is a rare condition. This case shows the importance of early diagnosis thanks to MRI findings and appropriate antibiotic therapy based on the endemic bacteriological profile.

The navicular bone may develop primary subacute osteomyelitis in immunocompetent child. Early diagnosis is important for prescribing effective conservative treatment.