Posttraumatic Patellar Osteomyelitis due to Raoultella ornithinolytica: A Case Report

A 59-year-old woman sustained a comminuted patellar fracture after a fall from standing. The injury was treated with open reduction and internal fixation 7 days from initial injury. Seven weeks postoperatively, she developed a swollen, painful, and draining knee. Workup demonstrated Raoultella ornithinolytica. She underwent surgical debridement and antibiotic treatment.

This is an unusual presentation of patellar osteomyelitis with R. ornithinolytica. Early identification, treatment with appropriate antimicrobial therapy, and consideration of surgical debridement are important in patients presenting with pain, swelling, and erythema after surgery.