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Published on: December 27, 2014
Acute hematogenous osteomyelitis in intravenous drug users
Abstract:
The authors report a case of acute hematogenous osteomyelitis in a closed metatarsal fracture of an adult intravenous drug user. A transient Staphylococcus aureus bacteremia documented by blood cultures was sustained that presumably seeded the existing fracture. Osteomyelitis was documented by intraoperative cultures that matched the blood cultures and a Technetium-HMPAO-labeled leukocyte scan. Reliance on a noncompliant patient for information may have been a factor that resulted in significant morbidity in this case. Although the patient managed to do well after surgical intervention, osteomyelitis may have been avoidable. Treatment and a self-critical review of the approach to this patient population and decisions made in this case are also discussed.
Insights
Acute hematogenous osteomyelitis developed in an adult intravenous drug user with a metatarsal fracture. Staphylococcus aureus bacteremia likely seeded the fracture, leading to infection and significant morbidity.
Area of Science:
- Orthopedics
- Infectious Diseases
- Medical Case Study
Background:
- Hematogenous osteomyelitis is a bone infection that can occur via bloodstream seeding.
- Intravenous drug use is a known risk factor for Staphylococcus aureus bacteremia and subsequent infections.
Observation:
- A case of acute hematogenous osteomyelitis is presented in an adult with a closed metatarsal fracture.
- The patient was an intravenous drug user, and Staphylococcus aureus bacteremia was identified via blood cultures.
Findings:
- The Staphylococcus aureus bacteremia is presumed to have seeded the pre-existing metatarsal fracture.
- Osteomyelitis was confirmed by intraoperative cultures matching blood cultures and a Technetium-HMPAO-labeled leukocyte scan.
- Patient noncompliance and delayed information sharing potentially contributed to increased morbidity.
Implications:
- This case highlights the risk of osteomyelitis in intravenous drug users with fractures.
- Early recognition and management are crucial to prevent severe outcomes.
- A critical review of patient management strategies in this population is warranted.
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