Patient case: Chronic Osteomyelitis
A 50-year-old man presents with persistent pain and swelling in his right lower leg for the past year. He reports intermittent episodes of fever and occasional drainage of pus from an old surgical scar over his tibia, following surgery for a previous fracture two years ago. Despite multiple courses of antibiotics, his symptoms have not fully resolved, and the pain has worsened over the past few months.
On physical examination, there is localized swelling, warmth, and tenderness over the tibia, along with a small area of skin breakdown with purulent discharge. X-rays of the leg reveal areas of bone destruction with surrounding sclerosis, consistent with chronic osteomyelitis.
He is diagnosed with chronic osteomyelitis of the tibia. The treatment plan includes long-term antibiotic therapy, surgical debridement of the infected bone, and close follow-up to monitor for potential complications, such as bone necrosis or sepsis.
a). A recent fall
b). An old fracture surgery
c). A sports injury
d). Long-term diabetes
a). Redness in the foot
b). Intermittent fever and drainage of pus from the surgical scar
c). Pain only during physical activity
d). Swelling without discharge
a). Bone fractures with normal surrounding tissue
b). Areas of bone destruction with surrounding sclerosis
c). Joint dislocation
d). Soft tissue swelling without bone involvement
a). Physical therapy and rest
b). Long-term antibiotics and surgical debridement
c). Corticosteroid injections
d). Immobilization of the leg for several months
