Introduction
Osteomyelitis of the fibula is a rare clinical finding, more common in children, with hematogenous origin. This is probably due to a number of anatomical features, such as the limited load-bearing function of the bone, blood supply, etc., as well as the low incidence of severe fractures requiring surgical treatment. During the follow-up period of the study, it was found that the fibula was affected in 13% of cases of adult patients with osteomyelitis. This is an unusually high proportion. The treatment included combinations of surgical and conservative techniques.
Aim
An attempt to analyze the causes of the increased incidence of fibular osteomyelitis in adult patients and to propose a therapeutic approach.
Patients and Methods
Six men aged between 26 and 64 with osteomyelitis of the fibula are presented. In five of the patients, the infection was exogenous, while in one of them it was chronic hematogenous osteomyelitis.
Results
In all patients, the bone infection was treated with a combination of thorough surgical debridement, including fenestration of the fibula and removal of foreign bodies, including osteosynthesis material, combined with targeted antibiotic therapy. Follow-up showed good functional status of the ankle joint and no recurrence.
Conclusion
Osteomyelitis of the fibula in adults is atypical. Its increased incidence may be related to an increase in the proportion of open fractures and the more frequent use of osteosynthetic materials. At the same time, carefully performed treatment can lead to irreversible eradication of the infection, combined with a good functional outcome that restores the quality of life of patients.
Явор Григоров; Остеомиелит; Издание 1; София: ИК “Кронос”, 2019; 40, 42 стр.
Явор Григоров; Остеомиелит: хирургично лечение; Издание 1; София: ИК “Кронос”, 2025; 27 стр.
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