Brodie abscess in the clavicle: an uncommon presentation

Area of Science:

• Orthopedics
• Infectious Diseases
• Radiology

Background:

• Osteomyelitis is bone inflammation due to infection, with acute forms common in children.
• Brodie abscess, a subacute osteomyelitis variant, shows a rising incidence.
• This condition presents diagnostic challenges due to non-specific tests and complex imaging.

Observation:

• A healthy female patient presented with a left clavicle lesion mimicking a neoplasm.
• Diagnostic suspicion led to the identification of a Brodie abscess.
• The patient responded well to initiated antibiotic therapy.

Findings:

• Brodie abscess diagnosis requires high clinical suspicion due to its resemblance to bone neoplasms.
• Non-specific laboratory and radiological findings complicate diagnosis.
• Early and accurate diagnosis is crucial for appropriate management.

Implications:

• Increased awareness and suspicion of Brodie abscess can prevent invasive procedures.
• Timely diagnosis facilitates effective antibiotic treatment, potentially avoiding surgery.
• Prompt management prevents long-term bone damage and sequelae.