Asian Journal of Orthopaedic Research

Aim: To highlight a typical pattern of presentation of isolated post-traumatic osteomyelitis of the patella in an adult in a resource-poor region. 

Case Presentation: We report a case of a 42 year old man who presented with a discharging sinus on the anterior aspect of his left knee of 6 months duration. At presentation, the left knee had a desiccated bone spicule protruding through a sinus on the anterior aspect which was discharging seropurulent material. The patient had wound debridement and V-Y Quadriceplasty as well as extended antibiotic therapy. He made full recovery and was discharged after a follow-up period of 6 months.

Discussion: The rarity of isolated osteomyelitis of the patella may occasionally lead to a delay in its diagnosis. In our index patient, trauma was the cause of infection. Diagnosis was based on a high index of suspicion, clinical features at presentation, as well as radiological and bacteriological examination findings. Our index patient made full recovery following debridement as well as an eight-week postoperative course of antibiotics.

Conclusion: Isolated osteomyelitis of the patella requires a high index of suspicion to diagnose. Surgical debridement of all necrotic and inflammatory tissues as well as long-term antibiotic administration are the mainstay of treatment.