Abstract :
Foreign body-related calcaneal osteomyelitis is a relatively uncommon type of osteomyelitis that poses a diagnostic challenge owing to its indolent onset and limited systemic response. Here, we present a case of chronic osteomyelitis of the left calcaneum with retained foreign body presented 5 years after a thorn prick in an 11-year-old boy. The patient presented with long-standing pain and swelling over the left heel, recalcitrant to conservative management. Intensive inquiry of the parents revealed a history of a thorn prick in the left heel of the patient while walking through a forest five years ago. Magnetic resonance imaging revealed an elongated hypointense linear structure (foreign body) within the lytic lesion on the lateral aspect of the calcaneum. The patient was managed with surgical exploration, foreign body removal, and curettage, followed by a prolonged course of antibiotics. The patient showed a complete resolution of symptoms without any sign of recurrence at 1 year follow-up.
Keyword :
Calcaneum, Osteomyelitis, Foreign body, Thorn, Curettage.