Isolated Osteomyelitis of the Thumb in the Setting of Colostomy Bag Change: A Case Report

Osteomyelitis is an inflammation of the bone tissue that results from an infection. Bacteria can reach the bone through the bloodstream. Predisposed individuals include immunocompromised patients, such as diabetics and HIV patients. Older age and trauma are common risk factors for osteomyelitis. We report a case of osteomyelitis where a male in his early seventies came to the Emergency Department with a right swollen finger without having any history of trauma or infection. With the patient's history, we could not find anything to explain the presenting symptoms' cause. While performing the physical exam, we noticed the patient had a colostomy bag and went in-depth on this topic. He says he cleans his colostomy bag daily with his right hand. After evaluating the patient, surgery was performed with an incision and drainage. Diagnosis was made via MRI images and wound culture results, which showed early developing osteomyelitis and anaerobic Gram-positive cocci. These bacteria are commonly found in the gastrointestinal tract. While discussing this case with infectious disease, we could not rule out that the cause of this patient's infection could be because of improper hygiene protocols while changing his colostomy bag. With this case report, we aim to raise awareness of the importance of having proper hygiene when cleaning colostomy bags, as this can alter our skin barrier and organisms can enter and establish bone infections.